Ilish pulao is a completely distinct recipe from the other ilish mach meals that are often made with Hilsa fish. It is commonly eaten with steamed rice. It is a mouth-watering dish made up of Hilsa fish pieces, and the aroma it brings in is indescribable.

Hilsa is known as the ‘Queen of Fishes’. South Asians, especially Bengalis, are immensely fond of ilish (Hilsa fish). Hilsa fish or Ilish mach is Bangladesh’s national fish. The majority of Bengalis agree that Hilsa is the world’s most delicious fish and I am no different. Hilsa is regarded as one of the popular fishes because of its distinctively soft, oily texture, and delectable flavor. Its luscious taste, texture, and flavor fill your mouth with joy and excellent supremacy.

Bengalis and Hilsa fish share an affinity that cannot be described in words. You either need to be a part of this incredible Bengali culture or you need to see it very deeply in some way to understand this nostalgia.

You get that right. Fish is much more than just a meal item to Bengalis; it plays a crucial role in every festivity. Besides its wholesome flavors, fish is the main source of protein in Bangladesh and Hilsa fish is the best combination of nutrition and taste. It can pretty much turn each occasion into a party. In many Bengali homes, Hilsa is sometimes bought in pairs during certain special occasions or festivities. I could go on and on about Ilish (Hilsa fish) since I adore it with all of my heart.

Hilsa fish, sometimes known as ilish mach, is also known as monsoon fish because they congregate in rivers during the rainy season. This season is a prime opportunity for every fisher to catch Hilsa. You may be shocked to know that Hilsa is one of the most expensive fishes in the country. The price of Hilsa fish dishes is actually pretty high if you visit any reputable Bengali restaurant and look at the menu card. We can draw a conclusion from here that Hilsa fish or ilish mach are sometimes non-affordable for impoverished people.

However. ilish pulao, also known as ilish macher pulao, is a very easy meal for people who have experience cooking delicate fish. This meal requires moderate skill to prepare. The key components for making this original cuisine are Hilsa fish and rice. The remaining components may be found simply in any Bengali kitchen.

Words can hardly describe the connection between a piece of Ilish maach and a Bengali lunch or dinner table! Bengalis treat it like the star of the table.

Ilish polao and Ilish biryani are sometimes mistaken for one another. Even though the two meals share a few ingredients in their recipes, one can easily differentiate these two. Both recipes have entirely distinct textures, tastes, and flavors.

I was among those kids who had always been choosey about fish. As ilish mach or Hilsha fish was always a favorite, my mom used to make various dishes with it. Ilish polao is one of them and my favorite weekend dish. In this dish, marinated hilsha pieces are steamed with flavorful pulao after being fried in onion gravy. The recipe for iliish polao is a complete meal on its own and doesn’t need any sides.

So, let’s start with the recipe. I will share the best ilish pulao recipe and also include some tips for you guys! Enjoy!

Ilish Polao

Hilsa Flavored Rice/ Ilish Pulao

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Keyword ilish polao
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

Ilish Polao - Ingredients

Instructions

Hilsa Fish Preparation

  • Add 1/4 tsp garlic and ginger paste and salt to the fish and marinate for 15-30 mins.
  • Heat the oil and Fry the fish just for 3-5 minutes ( Not deep fry)

Hilsa Flavored Rice Preparation

  • Clean the Rice with water properly.
  • Heat a pan and add mustard oil to it
  • Add some finely chopped onion to the oil and fry it until the onion turns golden brown color
  • Add cardamoms, cinnamon, and bay leaf
  • Add coriander powder, salt, and 1 cup warm water, mix it properly, and cook for 2-3 minutes
  • Add rice and mix nicely with the spices
  • Add 4 cups of warm water and cover the pan with a lid.
  • Cook in low heat for 20 mins
  • Place the half-fried pieces of fish inside the pan
  • Add some green chili and fried onion to it and cover with a lid
  • Cook it in low heat for 5-10 mins and it is ready to serve

PRO-TIPS

  • The fish pieces should be marinated for 30 minutes
  • Use moderate amounts of spices in the dish
  • Hilsa is an extremely delicate fish. So, while turning them while cooking, be extremely careful not to break them
  • Fish should not be overcooked since doing so will cause them to become dry and lose their soft, juicy texture
  • When cooking pulao, always use hot water

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 39.8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2.5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 378.8mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 2g
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