Shorshey Ilish (Hilsa with Mustard Seed Paste)

Shorshey Ilish/Hilsa in Mustard Seed Paste

Now this ones a classic and a historic Bengali dish - Shorshey Ilish.I am sure, the majority of Bengalis if given a chance will devour onto Hilsas.Whereas I have covered all the traditional dishes of Hilsa, I had left this out.This Hilsa is the last one that we are having this season and my blog posts on Hilsa for this year, should end with it.As always, the preparation of Hilsa requires next to no time.And the golden rule - if a Hilsa is a real tasty catch then no matter how it is prepared the dish is bound to be tasty.Shorshey Ilish, or Hilsa with Mustard Paste is prepared first by lightly frying the fish and then cooking it in a Mustard sauce for maximum of 5 mins.

Serves: 2

Preparation Time:10 mins
Cooking Time: 10 mins.

Ingredients:

• Hilsa - 2 pcs(200 gms)
• Mustard Oil - 2 tbsp for frying the fish.1 tb sp for garnishing.
• Turmeric Powder - 1.5 tsp for coating the fish pieces.1/2 tsp for the mustard sauce.
• Mustard Seed Paste - 1.5 tsp
• Whisked Yoghurt - 2 tbsp
• Salt - To taste.
• Green Chillies - 4 slit.
• Nigella Seeds - 1/2 tsp.

Procedure:

• Coat the Hilsa pieces with turmeric powder and sprinkle some salt.
• Heat 2 tbsp of mustard oil in a pan.
• Fry the pieces each side for a maximum of 1.5 mins.
• A fresh catch of Hilsa should release a lot of oil while frying.
• Once frying is done, keep the pieces aside.
• A lot of oil should remain in the pan, after the frying is over.In case there is very little oil, add 1 tbsp of mustard oil and wait for it to get hot.
• Add 2 slit green chillies and nigella seeds in the pan.Wait for the chillies and nigella seeds to sputter thereby setting of powerful smell.
• In it, add a little amount of water and 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder.
• Almost immediately add the mustard seed paste and whisked yoghurt.Stir the mixture for 2-3 mins.
• Check for the level of salt and add more only if required.
• In it add the Hilsa pieces and let the Hilsa cook for 3-4 mins.
• The Hilsa should be done in 4 mins maximum.Remove the pieces onto a serving bowl.
• Drizzle some mustard oil over the curry and garnish with 2 more slit green chillies.

Enjoy with Steamed rice.
Bon apetit!