Ilish Mach Bhaja Recipe
Ilish Mach Bhaja Recipe: Ilish Mach Bhaja is a classic Bengali dish that is simple yet flavorful. As a housewife and a food critic, I must say that this dish brings back a lot of memories of my childhood. The aroma of the frying fish, the texture of the crispy skin and the taste of the perfectly cooked flesh – it’s a dish that can make any Bengali go weak in the knees.
What is Ilish Mach Bhaja?
Ilish Mach Bhaja is essentially fried Hilsa fish, which is a type of fish commonly found in the rivers of India and Bangladesh. The fish is marinated with a blend of spices, then coated with a layer of besan or cornflour and fried until crispy. The result is a perfectly crispy and flavorful dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course.
Variations of Ilish Mach Bhaja
- Ilish Bhaja with Mustard Paste: In this variation, a paste made of mustard seeds, green chillies and raw mango is used to marinate the fish. The paste is then rubbed onto the fish and left to marinate for a few hours. The fish is then fried until crispy, resulting in a dish that is both tangy and spicy.
- Ilish Bhaja with Turmeric and Coriander: In this variation, the fish is marinated with turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder and salt. The fish is then coated with a layer of besan or cornflour and fried until crispy. The result is a dish that is flavorful and spicy.
- Ilish Bhaja with Onion and Garlic: In this variation, the fish is marinated with onion, garlic and a blend of spices. The fish is then coated with a layer of besan or cornflour and fried until crispy. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and aromatic.
Nutrition – Ilish Mach Bhaja
Hilsa fish is known to be a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy heart. It is also a good source of protein and contains vitamins B12 and D. However, due to the deep frying involved in the cooking process, the dish can be high in calories and fat. Therefore, it should be consumed in moderation.
Step by step Ilish Mach Bhaja Recipe
Ilish Mach Bhaja Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 fish fillets fresh (hilsa) or frozen (any),
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ¼ tsp Red Chilli Powder
- ½ tsp fish fry masala
- ¾ tsp salt
- 2 -3 tbsp Oil mustard oil for any vegetable oil
Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep Steps
- Clean and debone the Hilsa fish and set it aside.
- Mix the ginger paste and garlic paste in a small bowl and set it aside.
- Finely chop the onion and tomato and set them aside.
- Measure out all the spices and keep them ready.
- Marinate the Hilsa fish with 1 tsp of turmeric powder and salt to taste for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking Steps
- Heat the mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the raw smell of ginger and garlic is gone.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until they are translucent.
- Add the chopped tomato and sauté until the tomato is soft and mushy.
- Add the marinated Hilsa fish to the pan and stir gently.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let the Ilish Mach Bhaja simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the Ilish Mach Bhaja cool slightly before serving.
Notes & Tips
- Ilish Mach Bhaja is typically served with steamed rice and is a staple dish during special occasions and festivals in Bengal.
- The dish can be made with different types of fish, such as Rohu or Catla fish, which add a different texture and flavor to the dish.
- The dish can be made milder by reducing the amount of red chili powder used.
- The dish can be made spicier by adding more red chili powder or green chilies
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Ilish Mach Bhaja Recipe
What is Ilish Mach Bhaja?
Ilish Mach Bhaja is a popular Bengali dish made with fried hilsa fish, seasoned with a blend of spices, and served with steamed rice. It is a flavorful and crispy dish that is a staple in many Bengali households.
How do you make Ilish Mach Bhaja?
To make Ilish Mach Bhaja, clean and marinate the hilsa fish with a blend of spices, turmeric, and salt. Fry the fish until it turns crispy and golden brown. Serve hot with steamed rice and your favorite side dish.
What is the nutritional value of Ilish Mach Bhaja?
Hilsa fish is a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, the dish may be high in calories due to the frying process. It is recommended to consume in moderation.
Can I use other types of fish to make this dish?
While hilsa fish is traditionally used in this dish, other types of fish like salmon or sea bass can be used as a substitute. However, the taste and texture of the dish may differ slightly.
What are some variations of Ilish Mach Bhaja?
Variations of Ilish Mach Bhaja include adding mustard paste or green chilies to the marinade, using different types of oil for frying, and serving it with a side of traditional Bengali chutney.
What are some tips for making the perfect Ilish Mach Bhaja?
Make sure to marinate the fish for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. Use fresh, high-quality fish for the best results. Fry the fish in hot oil and do not overcrowd the pan. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
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