Zafrani Ilish (Hilsa Fish cooked in Milk-Saffron Gravy - Bong Style)

          Ilish Maach (Hilsa Fish) is undoubtedly the most favored and popular fish among most of the Bengali crowd. Various types of recipes can be dished out with it. Durga Puja calls for something different - a bit of a Royal touch. 

          So prepared this delicacy called Zafrani Ilish, which is a must try. It is very delicious, divine and apt to be served on special occasions. This particular recipe is cooked in a milk-saffron gravy and is relished with only hot steamed rice to enjoy it's true flavour. 

• 2 pieces of Ilish Maach (Hilsa Fish)
• 3 tbsp. mustard oil
• 1" cinnamon stick
• 2-3 green cardamoms 
• 4-5 cloves
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds 
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 1" ginger
• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1-2 green chilies
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. cumin-coriander powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 tsp. saffron
• 1-2 slit green chilies
• 1 tsp. coriander leaves, chopped

          Marinate the fish pieces with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder for 10 minutes. Grind the onion, ginger, garlic and green chilies into a smooth paste. Keep aside. Add the saffron to the milk and keep aside.

          Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish till light golden in colour. Drain and keep aside. Temper the same oil with bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves and cumin seeds. Sauté for a few seconds. 

          Add the ground paste and all the dry spices. Stir fry till the oil separates. Add the saffron-milk and green chilies. Bring it to a boil.

           Add the fried fish and simmer, covered for 2-3 minutes. Add the coriander leaves and switch off the flame. Serve with hot steamed rice.