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    Bengali cuisine
    Hilsa Fish
    Traditional Recipe
    Intermediate
    For 2 people

    Anarosh Ilish: A Sweet & Tangy Bengali Masterpiece


    Anarosh Ilish is a popular Bengali dish that combines two beloved ingredients - hilsa fish and pineapple. The subtle sweetness of pineapple balances the rich flavour of hilsa, while aromatic spices like cumin and dry red chillies add depth. A drizzle of the authentic ghee brings it all together. This recipe is simple to make but packs a flavourful punch.

    Ingredients

    • Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala

      2 tsp

    • Tomato (finely chopped)

      1 small

    • Onion (finely chopped)

      3 tsp

    • Ginger-Garlic Paste

      2 tsp

    • Pineapple Cubes

      1 cup

    • Dry Red Chilli

      2 pcs

    • Sunrise Mustard Oil

      for frying, cooking: 20 ml

    • Hilsa fish

      2 pcs

    • Coriander (finely chopped)

      2 tsp

    • Sunrise Coriander Powder

      1 tsp

    • Sunrise Red Chilli Powder

      1 tsp

    • Sunrise Turmeric Powder

      1 tsp for marination, 1 tsp for cooking

    • Whole Cumin

      1 tsp

    • Water

      as required

    • Ghee

      2 tsp

    • Salt

      to taste

    Sunrise tip: For best results, use a semi-ripe pineapple that is sweet but still firm. Overripe, mushy pineapple will disintegrate during cooking.

     

    Steps

    Step 1: Marinate the Fish

    Time: 10 minutes

    Rub the hilsa steaks with turmeric powder and salt. Set aside to marinate for 5 minutes.

     

    Step 2: Fry the Fish

    Time: 10 minutes

    Heat Sunrise Mustard Oil in a pan, gently slide the marinated fish steaks in the oil one by one and let them fry for 3-5 minutes until cooked.

    Keep them aside in a bowl.

     

    Step 3: Fry the aromatics

    Time: 10 minutes

    In the same heated Sunrise Mustard Oil, add whole cumin, dry red chilli and stir-fry until fragrant.

    Now, add the ginger-garlic paste, finely chopped onions, finely chopped tomatoes, pineapple cubes, Sunrise Turmeric Powder, Sunrise Red Chilli powder, Sunrise Coriander Powder, salt to taste and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.

     

    Step 4: Add the fried fish steaks

    Time: 10 minutes

    Add some water as required to the fried pineapple masala. Stir-fry for a few minutes.

    Now, gently place the fried hilsa steaks in the pan. Spoon the pineapple and spice mixture over the fish.

    Cook the hilsa for 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

     

    Step 5: Finish and Serve

    Time: 2 minutes

    Sprinkle in the finely chopped coriander leaves and Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala. Drizzle some ghee over the fish and pineapple.

    Adjust salt to taste. Turn off the heat.

    Serve hot with steamed rice.

     

    Goes Best With

    • Side Dish: Simple dal, Begun bhaja (fried eggplant)

    • Accompaniment: Steamed rice