National Dish Of Bangladesh

Hilsa fish curry

  • 10 Ingredients
  • 35 Minutes*
  • 450 Calories**
Hilsa fish curry - The national dish of Bangladesh

A Little History...

Hilsa fish curry, known as "Ilish" in Bangladesh, is the national dish of the country and a symbol of Bengali identity and culture. Revered for its unique flavor, Hilsa is a type of shad fish predominantly found in the waters of Bangladesh, especially during the monsoon season. The dish is characterized by its use of pungent mustard oil and seeds, along with a blend of spices like turmeric and chili, sometimes cooked with eggplant or green chilies. It's traditionally served with steamed rice. Hilsa fish curry is not just a culinary delight but also a cultural icon, deeply intertwined with various local festivals and celebrations, reflecting the rich riverine and culinary heritage of Bangladesh. Read More...

The history of Hilsa fish curry (Ilish) in Bangladesh is deeply intertwined with the region’s geographical, cultural, and historical context. Hilsa, a fish revered in Bengali cuisine, has a history that is as rich as it is old.

Geographical Significance: Bangladesh, with its vast riverine system, especially the Padma and Meghna rivers, provides an ideal habitat for the Hilsa fish. The abundance of this fish in local waters made it a staple in the diet of the people in this region.

Cultural Integration: Over centuries, the preparation and consumption of Hilsa became deeply embedded in Bengali culture. It transcends mere dietary preferences to symbolize Bengali identity. In both Bangladesh and West Bengal (India), Hilsa is not just a food item but a cultural icon, celebrated in literature, songs, and festivals.

Historical Roots: The history of Hilsa dates back to ancient times. The love for this fish can be traced to early Bengali literature and folklore, indicating its long-standing presence in the region’s cuisine.

Colonial Influence: During the British colonial period, the export of Hilsa fish was significant. However, the locals always retained a strong preference for this fish, which was integral to their diet.

Evolution of Culinary Practices: The culinary methods and spices used in cooking Hilsa have evolved over time, influenced by various historical and cultural interactions. The use of mustard oil and seeds, common in Bengali cooking, became prominent in Hilsa recipes, giving the dish its distinctive flavor.

Symbolic Importance: Hilsa holds a special place in many Bengali rituals and celebrations. For instance, in the Bengali New Year and during the monsoon season, when the fish is abundantly available, Hilsa dishes are a must in households across Bangladesh.

In summary, the history of Hilsa in Bangladesh is not just the story of a popular dish but a reflection of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. It represents the harmony between the land’s natural resources and its cultural heritage, making Hilsa more than just a national dish – it’s a symbol of Bengali pride and tradition.

Delicious Ingredients...

Make it at Home...

Recipe Variations

Step 1

Marinating the Fish:

  • Clean the fish pieces and marinate them with half of the turmeric powder and some salt. Set aside for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Cooking Process:

  • Heat mustard oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, lightly fry the fish pieces until they turn golden. Be gentle to avoid breaking the pieces. Remove the fish and set aside.
  • In the same oil, add nigella seeds and green chilies. Stir for a minute.
  • Mix the mustard paste with the remaining turmeric and red chili powder in a bowl. Add this mixture to the pan and fry for a couple of minutes.
  • If you’re using eggplant, add the pieces to the pan and fry them for a few minutes.

Step 3

Making the Curry:

  • Add water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and gently slide the fried fish pieces into the pan.
  • Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4

Serving:

  • Check for seasoning and adjust salt if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your traditional Bangladeshi Hilsa fish curry! Remember, the key to a good Ilish dish is in the quality of the fish and the balance of spices, especially the mustard, which is a defining feature of this recipe.

Prepration Time*

The total time required to prepare and cook a traditional Hilsa fish curry (Ilish) is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This includes the initial 15-20 minutes for marinating the fish with turmeric and salt, a crucial step for enhancing flavor. The cooking process begins with frying the fish pieces in mustard oil, which takes about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they turn golden brown but remain intact. Following this, the preparation of the curry with spices, mustard paste, and possibly eggplant, requires an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking time. The dish is then simmered for around 10 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the flavors are well infused. This makes Hilsa fish curry a relatively quick and straightforward dish to prepare, ideal for a flavorful and satisfying meal without requiring extensive cooking time.

Calories**

A typical serving of Hilsa fish curry (Ilish), when paired with a portion of steamed rice, contains approximately 400-500 calories. The calorie count primarily comes from the Hilsa fish, which is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. The use of mustard oil adds to the calorie content but also contributes beneficial unsaturated fats. Additional ingredients such as spices and eggplant contribute minimally to the total calorie count. While this dish is relatively high in calories, it's also nutritious, offering a good balance of essential fatty acids, proteins, and various micronutrients. It's important to consider portion sizes and the way the fish is cooked, as these factors significantly influence the dish's overall calorie content.

Eat Hilsa fish curry Locally....

Photos Form Our Adventurer Members....

SUBMIT A PHOTO LOAD MORE

All Comments....

The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
s
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023
The preparation time of Pelmeni can vary depending on the recipe & the skill level of the cook. Generally, it takes about 1-2 hours to prepare the Pelmeni dough & filling, and another 20-30 minutes to shape the dumplings & cook them.
Comment By: Wael Wafik - June, 17, 2023