Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Shorshe Ilish

I am not crazy about fish. But ilish is not just any fish. Uncountable "kaanta" cannot stop a bengali from indulging in this delicacy. With my mood being not very happening today I totally needed to indulge my senses into something that would sooth me. Payesh and ilish are top on the list to raise ones spirits. Thankfully last week I bought two ilish at once with my foresight which insisted that I buy more since this is already a frozen edible and can be refrigerated for a long time.
I thought of taking just 4 pieces and make shorshe ilish : dinner for two.
Ingredients
canola oil
pinch of mustard seeds
tsp poppy seed
green chillies
Few drops of vinegar
1/4 onion
red chilli powder
turmeric powder
green chillis and Dhania for garnish
Salt to taste

Procedure
Take the fish out of the freezer and let it thaw for 1 or 2 hrs.
Wash and Marinate the fish with mustard oil and turmeric.
Soak the mustard and poppy seeds in warm water for an hr or so. Put the soaked seeds, vinegar, green chillis, and grind into a paste. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard- poppy paste and saute. Now add turmeric and red chilli powder.
Add the marinated fish and salt. Mix well and cook on a slow flame.
In the end add a pinch of grinded black pepper and garam masala powder.
Let the dish simmer for 15 min.
Voila!!The dish is done.