Bhapa Ilish Recipe (Steamed Hilsa)

Ingredients

• 4 Hilsa Fish large steaks
• 4 tablespoons Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu)
• 2 teaspoons Yellow mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons Curd (Dahi / Yogurt)
• 1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder (Haldi)
• 4 Green Chillies
• 3 tablespoons Mustard oil and some more before serving

Steps

1. To begin making the Bhapa Ilish recipe, wash and tap dry the steaks of hilsa with a kitchen towel and set aside. In a small blender jar add both the mustard seeds, salt, 1-2 green chilies and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend until the paste is smooth.
2. Transfer the paste in a big stainless steel bowl with a lid. Add the turmeric powder, yogurt and mustard oil to it and mix well. You may add couple of tablespoons of water to the spice paste.
3. Add the pieces of Ilish/hilsa and coat with the mustard and yogurt paste. Slit the remaining green chilies and add it to the fish. Close the lid and set aside.
4. Now take a big saucepan, wok with a lid or a pressure cooker and add 2 cups of water. Place the bowl carefully and close the lid. Heat at medium and let it cook for 20-25 minutes.
5. Switch off the flame and set aside covered for 5 minutes.If you are using a pressure cooker, cook until 2 whistles. Let the pressure release on its own and then open the lid of the pressure cooker.
6. Carefully take out the bowl and open the lid. You may add few drops of mustard oil.
7. Serve hot with steamed white rice. Enjoy! Serve Bhapa Ilish along with Steamed rice for a weekday meal.