In Bengali cuisine, Nona Ilish, a traditional recipe featuring the prized Hilsa fish, holds a special place. This dish not only celebrates the rich flavors of Hilsa but also showcases the ingenuity of Bengali culinary tradition. Today, we’re adding a contemporary twist to this classic recipe by pairing it with a flavorful Bottle Gourd Mash.
Ingredients
For Nona Ilish:
- 4 pieces of Hilsa fish
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon nigella seeds
- 4-5 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon mustard paste
- 1 tablespoon yogurt
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Bottle Gourd Mash:
- 1 medium-sized bottle gourd, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
For Nona Ilish:
- Marinate the Hilsa fish pieces with turmeric powder and salt. Set aside for 15 minutes.
- Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the marinated fish pieces until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add nigella seeds and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
- Add mustard paste and yogurt to the pan. Stir well to combine.
- Add grated coconut (if using) and mix it with the spices.
- Place the fried fish pieces back into the pan. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
For Bottle Gourd Mash:
- Heat mustard oil in a separate pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute.
- Add chopped bottle gourd to the pan. Cook until the bottle gourd becomes soft and mushy.
- Mash the cooked bottle gourd using a masher or the back of a spoon.
- Season with salt according to taste.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Serving
Serve the Nona Ilish hot alongside the flavorful Bottle Gourd Mash. This fusion of traditional flavors with a modern twist is sure to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. Enjoy the harmony of textures and tastes as you indulge in this delightful Bengali delicacy!
