Ilish Macher Dolon: Jamai Shasti Special Recipe

Every Bengali knows what is Jamai Sasti ( Reception of son-in-law at in law’s place ) . This has special meaning for Kolkata and west Bengal Based Bengalis If you are Jamai of Kolkata ( greater Kolkata ) , then get ready to savor the highest level of Khatir ( hospitality ) at in law’s house  on   19th June – Jamai Sasthi in Bengal ) .

Bengali people take pride in preparing   sweet ( hardly common now ) and main dishes for their guests. When it’s a call for Jamai , then expect some special menus at the lunch , dinner also . The King of Fishes for a Bangali Babu is Ilish or Hilsha and its mandatory "luxury" during this time of the year. Brishti (rain) and Ilish mach bhaja(fried Hilsa) goes hand in hand. Although its price is sky rocketed yet every middle class household wants to have it on their menu during monsoons. Most Bengali household has pretty much mastered on the quintessential Ilish recipes...be it the simplest Ilish er tel jhol or a Ilish Bhapa....so present a very unconventional recipe of Ilish. Those like me who usually don't want to experiment with our expensive Hilsa pieces may raise their eyebrows but trust me this will be all worthwhile. So we out to you a very unique sweet and sour Ilish Mach (Hilsa Fish) recipe for the day called Ilish Mach er Dolon. 

I first saw the recipe on a popular Bengali cookery show and immediately thought of making it for Jamaishasti this year. And from the time I have first made it, let me tell you its almost a regular weekend recipe for us now. This dish is originally a family recipe of the famous stalwart Thakur family of Jorashanko, Kolkata. So lets walk down to the kitchen now..

Few tips to buy the best Ilish in market

• Check the silver color of the fish is bright and shining

• The eyes of the fish should be clear and not merky

• The gills should be red and not darker in color

• If you press the body of the fish it shouldn't be too tender or soft.

Recipe:

Prep Time : 10 minutes

Cook time : 20 minutes

Serve : 4

Level Of Cooking : Easy

Taste : Sweet

Ingredients for Ilish Macher Dolon Recipe

• Ilish Mach 4 pieces

• Sugar Syrup 2 tablespoon

• Tamarind juice 2 tablespoon

• Onion, ginger and garlic paste 2 teaspoon

• Green and Red Chilies according to heat tolerance level

• Mustard Oil
• Turmeric powder
• Red Chilly Powder

Method

Step 1

Mix equal proportion of sugar syrup and tamarind juice in a bowl. Put the fish pieces in and marinate for 10 minutes

Step 2

Mix all other ingredients except the oil in a separate bowl to make a paste. Put in the marinated fish pieces in the paste and coat generously.

Step 3

Heat oil in a pan. Gently put in the fish pieces along with the paste in the oil. cover and let it cook. Alter the sides of the fish once in the middle. 

Step 4

As the fish gets cooked all through, generously (be happy and forget about your diet for the day :P )drizzle mustard oil and green and red chillies. Cover and give some standing time to the dish. Enjoy with steaming hot rice!!

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