Bhapa Shorshe Ilish

What would you generally like to cook on a rainy Sunday afternoon, which will form a combination of a delicious meal and a hearty get together of the whole family at the dining table? Well! majority of them will go for a nonveg recipe option of course, which I too would select. But which nonveg exactly, because Sunday is usually a chicken dish at my home, however, when its raining chicken is something seems to get a little boring at times. Therefore, a dish that just came up to my mind as a surprise, is definitely going to be a Fish recipe. And what else better than to celebrate the onset of the rainy season here in Kolkata today, by preparing the most favourite item of this season because I love Ilish Maach. As Hilsa Fish is available in abundance during the monsoons i.e., from June till September, we normally prepare many Hilsa recipes at this time. 

Bhapa Shorshe Ilish

Today I will be sharing the most loved nonveg recipe from the land of fish lovers. Bengal should actually be named as the 'land of fish lover's' because no doubt the super delicious fish recipes are every Bengali's first favourite and of course mine too. I'm so obliged at the same time awestruck by learning the simple method of preparation of this traditional Bengali delight from my mum handed over to me. I like the way she blends all Masala n cooks even with a lesser amount of oil keeping health in mind. The recipe that I am talking about is 'Bhapa Shorshe Ilish'.

(Bhapa= Steamed, Shorshe= Mustard seeds, Ilish/ Hilsa= Tenualosa ilisha, Maach= Fish)

'Bhapa Shorshe Ilish' is very popular and is one such recipe in the Bengali tradition in the culinary world, the most favourite and much-liked recipe of all times. 'Bhapa Shorshe Ilish' is a recipe with Mustard Paste as the key ingredient along with Ilish Fish and other common spices. It is steamed in low pressure, keeping in mind the succulent fleshy bite of the Hilsa fish and the strong aroma of the mustard paste.

Find the recipe instructions below, it is very less time consuming and needs just a few ingredients, it is super easy for a Sunday extraordinary treat. There are numerous other Fish Recipes on this blog which you may like Lau Chingri ; Shorshe Maach ; Rohu Fish Eggs Curry ; Rui Fish with Cauliflower ; Bata Pona Maacher Jhaal ; Rohu Fish with Drumsticks ; Fish Curry with Scallion Florets ; Grass Carp Fish Gravy ; Tilapia Fish

Bhapa Shorshe Ilish

Tips:

1. While blending mustard seeds, add a pinch of salt to avoid a bitter taste from the mustard paste.
2. Addition of sugar in hot oil gives a luscious texture to the dish.

[Non-Veg]

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Course: Side

Cuisine: Indian/ Bengali

Serves: 4

Measuring Items: 1 cup = 150 ml ; Teaspoon

Ingredients:

1. Ilish Maach- 800 grams
2. Onion- 5
3. Green Chili- 6
4. Tomato- 3
5. Ginger- half inch
6. Garlic- 1 whole (small sized)

Spices:

1. Black Mustard seeds- 100 grams (Half cup)
2. Cumin seeds (Jeera)- 1.5 Tsp
3. Turmeric powder- 2 Tsp
4. Salt- 2 tsp (or as per taste)
5. Sugar- 1 tsp
6. Mustard Oil - 1 cup

Instructions:

How to prepare 'Bhapa Shorshe Ilish' with step by step instructions- 

1. Wash the fish pieces gently with water, drain water.
2. Marinade fish with half tsp turmeric powder and salt for around 15 minutes.
3. Blend Black mustard seeds, jeera, ginger, garlic and half of all the veggies (onion, chili, tomato)
4. Finely chop the remaining veggies.
5. Heat a pressure cooker, add mustard oil with a tsp of sugar.
6. Once the oil starts leaving fumes, add chopped onion, green chili, tomato, fry them for 5 minutes.
7. Now pour in the blended paste and mix well until oil leaves by the sides.
8. Add turmeric powder, salt, marinated fish pieces and one glass of water. Mix lightly with the ladle.
9. Cover the lid and pressure cook with 2 to 3 whistles.
10. Release the pressure and open the lid.
11. Simmer for 5 minutes more without cover and its ready.

'Bhapa Shorshe Ilish' is ready to be served and it goes well with hot steamed rice and some fried veggies alongside. The combination of rain and Hilsa on a Sunday afternoon is a heavenly combo and is always loved by the Bengalis. A rainy day is best enjoyed with some fritters and tea in the morning and evening, and ofcourse Hilsa for lunch. Sunday lunch is sorted with 'Bhapa Shorshe Ilish'. Prepare this easy peasy traditional recipe and tell me how you liked it. Till then enjoy cooking, serving and eating!!

Paromita Pramanick ©2018. All Rights Reserved.