Ilish Shukto (Hilsa with a medley of Vegetables)
Ilish Shukto. A classic delicacy from East Bengal. Gorgeous Ilish. A medley of vegetables. The warmth of ginger. The earthy aroma of radhuni. Delectable !!!
Ingredients
- 4 pcs Ilish or hilsa
- 2 potol / parwal / pointed gourds peeled and cut into logitudinal halves
- 1 small white radish cut into long batons
- 1/2 small brinjal cut into long batons
- 1/2 raw banana cut into long batons
- 1/2 potato cut into long batons
- 3-4 pcs green papaya cut into long batons
- 11/2 tsp radhuni or celery seeds
- 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Grind 1 tsp of celery seeds in a mortar and pestle. Keep aside.
- Marinate the fish with a little salt. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, shallow fry the fish. Keep aside.
- In the same oil, fry the eggplant till golden brown. Keep aside.
- To the same pan, add the remaining oil and when smoking hot, add 1/2 tsp radhuni, fenugreek seeds and mustard seeds. Allow the spices to splutter.
- Add the raw banana, radish, green papaya, potol and potatoes.
- Sprinkle a little salt, add 1/2 tbsp ginger paste, saute for 5-7 minutes. Add 1 cup of warm water, let it simmer till the vegetables become tender.
- Now lower the flame, throw in the fried eggplant, gently place the fried fish and pour the milk.
- Finish with the freshly ground radhuni and the remaining ginger paste.
- Adjust seasonings. Cook over a low flame for a final 4-5 minutes.
- Serve with hot rice.