Ilish/ Hilsha Pulao
Ilish Pulao, also known as Hilsha Pulao, is a traditional Bengali rice dish that combines the exquisite flavors of Hilsha fish (also spelled Ilish or Hilsa) with fragrant rice and a blend of aromatic spices. This recipe is a culinary delight cherished by Bengalis, particularly during the monsoon season when fresh Hilsha fish is abundant.
Ilish Pulao is typically served hot and garnished with fried onions, roasted cashews, and raisins for added texture and sweetness. It is often enjoyed as a standalone meal or accompanied by a side of raita (yogurt-based condiment) or a refreshing salad.
This delicacy showcases the unique taste and texture of the Hilsha fish, which is highly prized in Bengali cuisine. The combination of delicate fish, aromatic rice, and harmonious spices makes Ilish Pulao a beloved dish that captures the essence of Bengali gastronomy.
Contributors Bio
As a housewife cooking is my passion. I like to cooking and eating to others. I also like to try dishes from different type of cuisine.I wish to be a owner of a restaurant and see to me as a cook.
Ilish/ Hilsa Pulao by Nusrat Farzana
Ingredients
- 5 -7 pcs Hilsa fish
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 8-10 green chilies
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 cup yogurt sour
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 bay leaf
- salt to taste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup Soybean oil
- 1 tbsp Ghee
- Crispy fried onion
- 500-1000 gm aromatic rice
Instructions
- Cut hilsa fish into pieces and wash properly. Use a clean cloth or napkin to soak excess water.
- Take a pan, heat properly, and add oil to the pan. Now add chopped onion. Fry for some time till slightly golden. Then add ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder,cumin powder,coriander powder, beaten sour yoghurt, salt and cook for 2 to 3 minutes till oil release. Now add fish and cook with the lid for 3-4 minutes.
- Now flip the fish carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Now add a little water and some fried onion. Cook fish for another few minutes. Then carefully take the fish out of the pan with some spices and let the other amount of spices remain in the pan. Keep the fish aside.
- Now add bay leaf in the pan, stir for some minutes and add pre-washed & drained rice. Keep stirring and fry in medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes till the rice makes sound.Add green chilli. Then add water and double the amount of rice. Add salt and sugar as you need.Add 1 tsp lime juice. Cook in medium heat with the lid.When the rice is almost cooked then put some rice and keep aside.Now take you fish and lay out in the rice, add some dried onion and cover up with access rice.Add 2 tbsp ghee and spread it.Add some more crispy fried onions on the top.
- Now cover with the lid and keep it for 5 minutes on a very low flame. After 5 minutes turn the flame off and leave it for another 5 minutes covered. Take the fish pieces out of the rice carefully and lift the rice up & down.
- Now ready to serve this delicious "Ilish polao".Enjoy your food with salad or pickle as you like.
