Delicious Bengali Dish - Dahi ilish - how to prepare

 

"Dahi Ilish" is a delicious Bengali dish featuring hilsa fish (ilish) in a yogurt-based sauce. Here's a simple recipe for making Dahi Ilish:

**Ingredients:**

- 4-6 pieces of hilsa fish (ilish)

- 1 cup plain yogurt (dahi)

- 1/2 cup mustard paste (made from yellow mustard seeds)

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)

- Salt to taste

- 2-3 tablespoons mustard oil

- 1-2 green chilies, slit

- A pinch of sugar (optional)

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Fish:**

   - Clean the hilsa fish pieces and rub them with a little turmeric and salt. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes.

2. **Fry the Fish:**

   - Heat mustard oil in a pan until it starts to smoke (this removes its pungent taste).

   - Reduce the heat and gently place the marinated hilsa pieces in the hot oil.

   - Fry the fish until they turn golden on both sides. Remove them from the pan and keep aside.

3. **Prepare the Sauce:**

   - In the same pan, add a little more mustard oil if needed.

   - Add the mustard paste and sauté for a couple of minutes.

   - Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.

   - Whisk the yogurt until smooth and add it to the pan. Stir continuously on low heat to prevent curdling.

4. **Cook the Fish in the Sauce:**

   - Once the sauce thickens and oil starts separating from it, add the fried fish pieces.

   - Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

   - If you prefer a hint of sweetness, you can add a pinch of sugar at this stage.

5. **Garnish and Serve:**

   - Garnish with slit green chilies and fresh coriander leaves.

   - Serve hot with steamed rice.

Dahi Ilish is a delightful Bengali dish with a unique combination of flavors. Enjoy your meal!