Ilish Maacher Begun Jhol

(Hilsa/Shad with Eggplant)

Servings - 2-3 persons

Ingredients:       

 Ilish - 0.5 kg

Begun/Eggplant - 150 - 200 g, 8 big pieces

Green Chillies - 4, slit

Turneric powder - 1  tsp

Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp

Kalonji - 1/2 tsp

Salt - To taste

Mustard Oil - 4 tbsp

White oil - 2 tbsp

Ilish/Hilsa tastes best in mustard oil but white oil may be substituted

Preparing:

1. Rub fish with 1/4 tsp turmeric, and 1/4 tsp salt.

2. Make a paste of turmeric and chilli powder in 2 tbsp water.

Cooking procedure:

1. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp white oil.

2. Fry begun/eggplant pieces till brown on medium heat. Remove and keep aside.

The remaining part requires mustard oil:

1. Heat 4 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.

2. Add kalonji and 1 green chilly and fry for 30 sec.

3. Add fish to oil and fry lightly, about 1 min each side.

4. Then add the turmeric, chilli paste and fry for another minute.

5. Add 1.5 cups water, green chillies, salt and bring to boil.  Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Add fried begun/eggplant and simmer for another 5 min.

Serving Suggestions: