Elish (Ilish) Macher Pulao/ Hilsa Pulao

Elish (Ilish) mach er polao is a delicacy that can be served as a meal in itself. Ilish is the apple of eyes for fish loves, especially in Bengal (across the borders). The distinct taste of the fish that makes it endearing is advised to be retained in whatever dish is prepared with Ilish. As such mild spices are added just to enhance the flavours. The art of making Ilish Pulao is to let the taste of the fish reign the palate with mild support of spices as character artists.

Ingredients —

• 3 cups Basmati Rice
• 1.5 inch chopped Ginger
• 7 sliced Green Chilli
• 6 pc Cardamom
• 1 in pc Cinnamon
• 8 pc Cloves
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 3 pc Bay Leaf
• 2 Tbsp Ghee and about the same quantity of cooking oil (any of your choice)
• 8 pc Hilsa/ Shad fish
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• About 8 cups Water

 

Preparation –
• Hilsa pieces need to be marinated with turmeric powder and salt.
• Use any type of cooking oil of your choice to slightly fry the pieces of Hilsa.
• The rice needs to be washed and then soaked in water for about one hour.
• Use a strainer to remove water from the soaked rice.
• The soaked rice should be marinated with all the ingredients (except the fried fish) and kept aside for thirty minutes.
• Next fry the marinated rice in heated ghee and then add water to it. Boil the water till the rice is half done.
• Finally add in the hilsa pieces that had been lightly fried.
• Lower heat and keep cooking till rice is done and the concoction evaporates most of the moisture.

Serve hot.