Doi Ilish or Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa/Shad in Mustard Sauce)

Ilish, is one of the favorite and a Bengali Delicacy. It is the most wanted fish for the Bengalis. Doi Ilish as I name it, for my husband this is Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa/Shad in Mustard Sauce)... Well apart from whatever you call the recipe, it is a traditional Bengali Recipe and we are acquainted with the taste from our childhood. So, here in USA whenever we hear that Ilish is available at the Indian Grocery we make it a point to grab one before the store runs out of it. 

Ingredients: Doi Ilish or Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa/Shad in Mustard Sauce)

• Ilish or Hilsa (1.5 lbs or roughly 6 pieces)
• 1/2 cup Yogurt
• 2-3 tbsp Mustard Paste
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• Mustard Oil  (Preferred, otherwise any other oil would even do)
• 1/2 tsp Kalo Jeera (Kalonji Seeds)
• 3-4 Green Chillies
• Chopped Cilantro

Clean the Ilish pieces and pat dry them. Season them with salt and turmeric powder. Now heat Mustard Oil in a wok, and slowly put the fish pieces one by one and fry them lightly. In a bowl mix the yogurt and the mustard paste, add the turmeric powder. Remove the fish pieces after they are fried and keep the oil aside. We Bengali's love this oil with plain rice.  Add some fresh oil to the wok and temper with the Kalo Jeera seeds and let them splutter. Turn the heat to low and add the yogurt and mustard paste and  the green chillies. As the oil starts separating, add the fish, salt and a cup of water, cover and cook for sometime. and serve with hot Basmati Rice. Garnish with a few drops of fresh mustard oil and chopped cilantro and enjoy the Bengali Delicacy.