Bhapa ILish - Steamed ILish

Ilish maach steamed or baked in a tangy mustard paste is an awesome treat for fish lovers, provided you are a mustard aficionado. This is one of my most favorite Bengali dish.


Ingredients:

• Ilish                            - 6 pieces
• Mustard seeds             - 2 Tbsp(equal proportion of black and yellow mustard)
• Grated coconut           - 2 Tbsp
• Ginger                        - 1/2 inch
• Green chilli                - 6-7
• Turmeric powder        - 1/2 tsp
• Mustard oil                 - 3 Tbsp
• Salt                            - To taste

Method:
1. Soak the mustard seeds in 1/3 cup of lukewarm water for 20 minutes. 
2. Make a smooth paste of mustard, coconut, ginger and 3 green chillies.
3. Mix the paste with salt, turmeric powder and 2 Tbsp oil.
4. Take an oven safe bowl and smear it with mustard oil.
5. Place the fish pieces in the bowl, try to make a single layer.
6. Pour the paste over the fish. 
7. Add some slit green chillies.
8. Drizzle the remaining mustard oil.

9. Cover the bowl with an aluminium foil.
10. Preheat oven at 375F. Bake the fish for 30 minutes.
11. Remove from oven and serve hot with rice.