Ilish Maacher Kumro Jhol

(Hilsa/Shad with Pumpkin)

Servings - 2-3 persons

Ingredients

Ilish - 0.5 kg

Pumpkin - 200-250 g, 8 square 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 pumpkin 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 kaloji and 1 green chilly and fry for 30 sec.

3. Add fish 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, pumpkin, green chillies, salt and bring to boil.  Simmer for 12-15 minutes until pumpkins are cooked.

Serving Suggestions: