Panta Ilish Recipe: A Traditional Bengali Delicacy That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. 

"Panta Ilish" is a popular traditional Bangladeshi dish made with fermented rice and Hilsa fish. It is a must-have during the monsoon season when Hilsa is widely available and considered to be at its best. Panta Ilish is not only delicious but also a healthy dish as it is full of nutrients and beneficial for digestion. In this blog post, we will share a recipe for Panta Ilish along with tips and a conclusion. 

 

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fermented rice (panta bhat)
• 4-5 pieces of Hilsa fish (ilish mach)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3-4 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of mustard oil
• Salt to taste 

Instructions:

1. Clean the Hilsa fish and marinate with salt for 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat a pan and add mustard oil to it. When the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and green chilies and fry until the onion turns golden brown.
3. Add the marinated Hilsa fish to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it is golden brown.
4. In a separate bowl, take 2 cups of fermented rice (panta bhat) and add some water to it. Mix it well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes soft.
5. Add the cooked Hilsa fish to the fermented rice and mix well.
6. Serve it with some additional chopped onion and green chilies on top. 

 

Tips:

• Use fresh Hilsa fish for better taste.
• Don't overcook the fish, as it may become dry and tough.
• Fermented rice should be soft and easy to mix with the fish.
• You can add some lemon juice to enhance the taste.
• Panta Ilish is best served chilled. 

Conclusion:

Panta Ilish is a delightful dish that is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. It is an authentic Bangladeshi dish that is popular among people of all ages. With its unique combination of fermented rice and Hilsa fish, Panta Ilish is sure to become a favorite in your household.  

Picture Source: istockphoto 

Alhamdulillah.