Top 4 Bengali Freshwater Fish Dishes

Shorshe ilish is a traditional dish that employs ilish fish as its star ingredient. Sliced ilish is slowly simmered in a thick broth consisting of ground mustard seeds and green chili peppers, as well as mustard oil and other spices such as turmeric, cumin, and red chili powder. The variation of the dish may include the addition of milk or yogurt (doi). This hearty fish dish is usually served with steamed rice on the side.Expand

Macher jhol is a Bengali and Odia spicy fish stew, similar to curry. It consists of chunks or slices of fish that are slowly simmered in a flavorful broth that is usually enriched with onions, turmeric, chili peppers, ginger-garlic paste, coriander, nigella seeds, cumin, and mustard seeds. The most common fish varieties used in the dish include ilish (hilsa), rohu, and bhakura (catla), and the dish often incorporates potatoes, as well as tomatoes or tomato purée. Macher jhol is usually served with rice, and it is occasionally garnished with coriander leaves.Expand

Ilish macher paturi is the national dish of Bangladesh. It is made with ilish fish that has been marinated with ground spices before it's wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or roasted. The ingredients used in the dish typically include mustard paste, chili peppers, mustard oil, and turmeric. A little bit of the marinade is usually saved and poured over the fish after it's been cooked. The dish is traditionally accompanied by rice on the side.Expand

Panta ilish is a dish from Bangladesh that combines a bowl of panta bhat—cooked and soaked rice—with fried ilish fish. The combination is traditionally enjoyed in urban areas, and it has become a staple dish served on the Pahela Baishakh, a national holiday celebrating the first day of the Bengali calendar. The fish is usually generously seasoned with turmeric, chili powder or other spices, and the dish is typically topped with fresh chili peppers, onions, and bhorta—traditional vegetable or fish mash that is usually served as a side dish.Expand