Shorshe Bhapa Ilish | Bengali Hilsa Fish Curry Recipe

This shorshe bhapa ilish recipe is one of the most classic and favourite fish recipes for every Bengali out there. This hilsa curry is made using hilsa or ilish, a fish belonging to the herring family. It is native to the Bay of bengal and hence widely popular in Eastern Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Bengali

Keyword Bengali Fish Recipes, Bengali Food, Coconut Recipes, Fish Recipes, Gluten Free Recipes, How To cook Hilsa Fish, Ilish Maacher Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

4 pcs Hilsa or Ilish Maach
¼ cup Coconut Chopped
½ tsp Black Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Yellow Mustard Seeds
2 tbsp Poppy Seeds
2 tbsp Mustard Oil
½ tsp Turmeric Powder
Salt to Taste

Instructions

Grind the coconut and poppy seeds into a fine paste
Add the rest of the ingredients to the grinding jar (except the fish) and give it a couple of quick buzzes. We are looking to coarsely grind the mustard seeds. Over grinding will lead to bitterness, so avoid that
Now take a stainless steel container which has its own lid. Pour half of the paste into this container. Place the fish pieces in it and then top them with the rest of the paste
Drizzle some mustard oil on the top and cover the lid
Place it in the steamer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes on medium heat
Check if it's done by opening up the lid. The fish would have turned white and solid, otherwise close the lid again and steam for a couple more minutes
Serve this steamed fish curry of ilish bhapa with rice