Ilish (Hilsa) Shukto Using Kachi Ghani Edible Oil

Bengal is a state that welcomes flavorful fish delicacies with open arms. With a large variety of fishes to choose from, one is certainly spoilt for choice keeping the endless recipes in mind. Shukto is that one dish that every Bengali household can’t get enough of. With an overload of flavors and the goodness of a healthy edible cooking oil, Ilish Shukto is that recipe that makes you want more. 

This is a dish that’s quite popular among most ghoti households and kitchens. Not only does it consist of a Bengali-style Hilsa fish, it also has a veggie curry flavored with randhuni and five spices. Even though this recipe presents a bitter taste, the Ilish tends to evolve the recipe with its wholesome and unique flavor. If you’re a fan of Ilish, this recipe is what you should look at preparing in your kitchen. 

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces of Ilish Mach

For the vegetables

• 2 bitter gourds
• 3 potatoes
• 1 plantain
• 1 sweet potato
• 1 drumstick
• 1 eggplant

Spices to be used

• 1 tsp panch phoron (whole)
• 1 tsp panch phoron (powder)
• 1 tsp celery seeds
• 2 bay leafs
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp mustard paste
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp poppy seed paste
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt to taste

For the overall preparation

• 3 tbsp Doctors’ Choice Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil
• 150 ml milk 
• 1 tbsp ghee

Preparation:

• Marinate the hilsa pieces with salt and half of the turmeric powder. Leave the same for 10 mins
• Cut the vegetables into long pieces. Ensure to clean and remove the skin
• Cut the bitter gourd and eggplant keeping its skin intact. Ensure these two are marinated with salt and turmeric powder
• Heat Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil in a deep pan
• Shallow fry the fish for 30 secs each on both sides
• Shallow fry the vegetables one by one. Keep the potato, sweet potato, and plantain for a bit longer
• Temper the remaining oil with 2 bay leaves, panch phoron and radhuni
• Now add the ginger paste, mustard paste, and poppy seed paste
• Cook it for 1 minute or more by adding 1 tbsp of water to it
• Add salt and sugar and mix it well
• Now add 1 tbsp of powdered panch phoron. Cook for a min or two
• Add milk and 3 cups of water to bring it to a boil upon adding salt and sugar
• Add the fried potatoes, sweet potato, and plantain. Cook till these all soften
• Add drumstick, fried eggplant, fried bitter gourd followed by the fried fish pieces
• Cook all on a low flame for 5-7 mins by covering the pan with a lid. Add some water if needed
• Add ghee and switch off the flame after mixing

Enjoy delicious Bengali Ilish shukto with white steamed rice