Bhapa Shorshe Ilish (Steamed Mustard Fish - Bengali Style)

          My all time favorite and a great comfort food, especially during weekend lunch, is this traditional Bengali delicacy where Hilsa fish is steam cooked in a tangy mustard sauce. Mustard oil is used for an authentic taste and flavour. It is best enjoyed with hot steamed rice. It is a simple and a delicious recipe where prawns too can be substituted.

• 3-4 pieces of Hilsa (a river water fish)
• 1 tbsp. mustard seeds / kasundi (mustard sauce)
• 1 tsp. yoghurt 
• 1 tbsp. fresh coconut, grated
• 1-2 green chilies
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp.  turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp. mustard oil
• 1 tsp. coriander leaves, chopped

         Grind the mustard seeds along with the green chilies and turmeric powder to a smooth paste. Keep aside.

         Now mix the fish with all the above mentioned ingredients. Put this mix into a closed steel container with a lid.

         Pour little water at the bottom of a pressure cooker. Place the steel container in it and close the pressure cooker without the vent.

         Steam for 10 minutes on high flame and then for 5 minutes on low flame. Serve on a bed of hot steamed rice.