Blogs

The Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2023 is a celebration of the Hilsa fish, a popular and flavorful fish found in the Sundarbans region of India and Bangladesh. The festival showcases a variety of Hilsa dishes, but here's a simple and delicious Vapa Hilsa recipe that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 500g Hilsa fish (preferably boneless, cut into medium-sized pieces)
• 1 cup Basmati rice (soaked in water for 30 minutes and drained)
• 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup mustard oil
• 1/4 cup mustard paste
• 1/4 cup grated coconut
• 1/4 cup thick yogurt
• 4-5 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
• Banana leaves or aluminum foil for wrapping

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mustard paste, grated coconut, yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to create a marinade.

2. Add the Hilsa fish pieces to the marinade and gently coat each piece. Let the fish marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

3. While the fish is marinating, prepare the banana leaves or aluminum foil. If using banana leaves, clean and dry them. If using aluminum foil, cut large enough pieces to wrap each fish piece individually.

4. Lay out the banana leaves or aluminum foil and place a layer of soaked and drained Basmati rice on each. The rice should be spread out in a thin layer.

5. Place a marinated Hilsa fish piece on top of the rice layer. Add some chopped onions and a slit green chili on top of the fish.

6. Fold the banana leaves or aluminum foil to create a tight seal around the fish and rice, making sure no steam can escape. If using banana leaves, you can use a toothpick to help keep the leaves closed.

7. Heat a large, flat pan or griddle over medium heat. Add the mustard oil and let it heat up.

8. Once the oil is hot, place the wrapped fish packets on the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through and the rice is tender.

9. Carefully remove the cooked fish packets from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before opening.

10. Serve the Vapa Hilsa hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Enjoy the dish with steamed rice or any Indian bread of your choice.

Note: You can also steam the fish packets in a steamer or pressure cooker if you prefer. You can try the most wonder recepie of Hisa fish during your Sundarban tour.