Doi Ilish - the pride of East Bengal!

Ilish (Hilsa) is called the king of all fish for it's wonderful taste and 'never to forget' essence.Hilsa are of many varieties , best type is available in Dacca of Bangladesh.Cooking Hilsa is simple and this is a recipe which can be prepared in no time by any cook who's a fresher.

Ingredients: Hilsa fish (big size laterally sized equally),kalo jeera/black cumin(minute amt.), turmeric powder(1 teaspoon), mustard oil , green chilli(3-4 pcs.), Curd (unsalted about 200 gms.)salt acc. to taste.


Procedure: Clean the fish and cut into equal pieces starting from the head side.Care should be taken while cleaning ,that the bile duct should not be tampered.Else it will give the entire fish a very bitter taste. Expert fishermen/vendors can successfully chop the fish into equal pieces without tampering the bile duct.Clean the fish and marinate with salt and turmeric powder.Hilsa fish has it's own essence and a good fish is identified by fresh smell.Keep in mind that unlike other fishes , Hilsa never gives a fishy smell.Heat oil in a container . Take the delicate fish and carefully release them in the heated oil.Hilsa being a very soft fish, care should be taken that the fish should not break from in between.After releasing slowly , cook it for about 1 minute on both sides of the fish.Hilsa fish should always be deep fried but should not wait for the color to change to brownish as it has it's own beautiful color.Remove the pieces and keep aside.Dash a little kalo jeera(black cumin ) seed in the oil and fry for about 1 min till a nice smell emits out.Take the pot of curd and batter it nicely with the help of a spoon or whipper.Pour the entire content of the batter in the oil.You will hear cracking sound till the curd settles down in the oil.Use a spatula to make an even mixture with the curd.Add chillis sliced from the middle and salt to it. Add the fish to it.Allow to cook for about 1 minute and then put off the gas.Remove the entire content in a nice serving bowl.Serve your guests Hilsa fish along with basmati rice. I guarantee that they will be bewildered  and enjoy to their ultimate.

Hilsa is an item which is used in festivals of Bengal.In occasions like marriage Hilsa is an essential item.During jamai sasthi (a festival meant for the son in laws) or pujas Hilsa is not only a must but reaches the peak of price as the demand is always high.A fresh Hilsa will emit a mind boggling smell whenever it is served hot.To non vegetarians , it's my request never miss Hilsa!!