I clicked the pictures for this post almost one year back. In fact, I have not cooked Sada Ilish aka Ilish Pani Khola yet this year. I am waiting for the Ilish to enter the markets after the breeding season. Not that Ilish is not available however, we try to not to purchase Ilish during the breeding season.
It was Mehebub who reminded me of Ilisher Pani Khola while having dinner last night. He actually was craving for the Bengali Hilsa Stew. Yes, you read it right; Hilsa Stew. You will understand upon reading the recipe why I am referring to stew. As I already have the pictures, I thought to update the blog with the recipe.
I first had Sada Ilish long back at a friend’s place who was from the same University as I am. Kakima, (her mother) had her ancestors in Barishal, Bangladesh. Then, back in 2006-07, I was not aware of any dish of Ilish apart from Ilish Beguner Jhol which can be considered light! To me, then, Ilish was about the rich gravies; mostly prepared with Mustard, coconut or curd but not a stew-like dish. Needless to say, when she served the pale light Ilish curry I was not much impressed! However, I ended on asking two more servings of the gravy and rice after having it!
When asked, Kakima told me that particular dish was Sada Ilisher Jhol or Ilisher Pani Khola. The name Ilish Pani Khola was quite funny (to me) though I understood why “Sada.” Sada stands for white and in this Ilish preparation the light gravy was pale; almost white. It was then I asked for the recipe and Kakima shared.
Mehebub had it for the first time when we were in Gurgaon. He thoroughly enjoyed having the light fish curry. In fact, he prefers Ilish Pani Khola over Ilish Bhapa or Doi Iliish. I
The recipe of Ilish Pani Khola through easy, however, requires tedious onion mixing. The recipe calls for very basic ingredients and is light as compared to other Ilish Mach recipes.
Here’s how I make Ilish Pani Khola at Debjanir Rannnaghar!
- Serves: 3 People
- Serving size: 200g
- Calories: 382
- Fat: 22.1g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 11.6g
- Sugar: 5.3g
- Sodium: 1310mg
- Fiber: 2.4g
- Protein: 36.2g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
- Ilish Mach/ Hilsa Fish chunks: 6 (100g each)
- Onion: 3
- Green Chili: 5-6
- Mustard Oil: 4 Tbsp.
- Salt: to taste
- Turmeric Powder: ½ Tsp. (optional)
- Wash fish chunks and rub some salt. I do not use turmeric powder in this recipe.
- Finely chop the onion.
- Take chopped onion along with 1 Tsp. salt and also 3 Tbsp. Mustard Oil in a bowl and mix those until onion started releasing moisture.
- This step will take around 10 minutes.
- The onion will turn paler and will release sufficient moisture.
- Add slit green chilis and mix those as well.
- Take the mixture in a pan and place the fish chunks on the top of onion mixture.
- Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes on low flame.
- Add 2 Cups of water and adjust salt and chili.
- Add 1 Tbsp. of Mustard oil as well.
- Cover the pan and cook for 5-7 more minutes on low flame.
- There should be sufficient gravy at the end of the cooking.
- Serve Ilish Pani Khola with hot steamed Rice.
You may use other oils instead of mustard oil, however, this dish is prepared with almost no spices and hence the pungent taste of mustard oil boosts the flavor.
Ilish Mach Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar!
- Doi Ilish (Also known as Bengali Curd based Hilsa Curry)
- Ilish Mach Bhaja (also known as Fried Hilsa)
- Bhapa Ilish (Also known as Steamed Hilsa Fish)
- Ilish Macher Sorshe bata diye Jhal (Also known as Hilsa Fish in Mustard Gravy)
- Ilish Macher Matha diye Badhakopi (also known as Cabbage with Hilsa)
- Macher Tok aka Ilish Maacher Tok (also known as Ilish Macher Tawk)
- Ilish Shukto (Also known as Macher Shukto)
- Kasundi Ilish ( Also known as Hilsa cooked with Bengali Mustard Sauce Kasundi)
- Nona Ilish Bhorta (also known as Nona Ilish Bhuna)
- Mawa Ghater Ilish Macher Lejar Bhorta (Also known as Ilish Macher Bhorta)
- Ilish Macher Korma (Also known as Hilsa fish Korma)
- Bori Begun Aloo diye Ilish Macher Tel Jhol (Also known as Light Hilsa fish curry with veggies)
- Ilish Pulao (Also known as Bengali Hilsa Pulao)
Have you tried the Bengali Ilisher Pani Khola or Sada Ilish recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
Do let me know how it came out. Also, I would love to see a picture of the same which you can share here on dolonchttrj@gmail.com. Meanwhile, on Instagram, you can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and in addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani.
Here’s the Ilish Panikhola Pin for your Pinterest Board!
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