Bhapa Illish - Steamed Hilsa Fish in mustard sauce made from scratch
Author: 
Cuisine: Bengali
 
Ingredients
  • Illish Fish - cut into steaks about ½ inch thick
  • mustard seeds - 2 tsp
  • turmeric powder - 1 tsp
  • tomato - 1
  • tamarind (optional) - ¼ tsp
  • salt to taste
  • garlic - 1 pod
  • green chilies - 6
  • mustard oil - 2 tbsp
  • coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions
  1. Soak mustard seeds for 4-6 hours in ½ cup of water
  2. Drain the water, then transfer them onto a strainer to drain and dry overnight. They will be easier to grind.
  3. Wash and dry the fish. Make sure you take off scales along its skin.
  4. Toss the fish gently with turmeric and salt and keep aside
  5. Grind mustard seeds with 2 tbsp of water, 2 green chillies and a pinch of salt till smooth.
  6. Add 1 tbsp of mustard oil and stir until smooth.
  7. Transfer the fish in a container that you will use to steam the fish in.
  8. Pour the mustard paste over the fish, coating all the pieces well.
  9. Add slit green chilies, garlic pod, tamarind, coriander leaves.
  10. Grate the tomatoes and add it to the mix.
  11. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
  12. Place it in a larger pan filled with water. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for 15 minutes.
  13. Check for doneness ( insert a fork, it should come out clean, much like it does in a cake).
  14. Transfer in a serving dish, taking care not to break the fish pieces.
  15. Serve hot on a bed of rice.
Recipe by The Lady 8 Home at https://www.thelady8home.com/bhapa-illish-steamed-hilsa-fish-in-mustard-sauce-made-from-scratch/