New Delhi: With Durga Puja 2025 beginning September 28, the excitement in Bengali households is already palpable. From dazzling pandals to new saris, from dhak beats to bhog, the celebration is incomplete without a taste of traditional Bengali delicacies. And when it comes to Pujo feasts, Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in mustard sauce) is the star of the table. Considered the queen of Bengali cuisine, this dish perfectly captures the festive spirit — rich, sharp, and unforgettable.
Interestingly, Bengalis believe that no Durga Puja is truly complete without a Hilsa dish, even though the fish is seasonal and sometimes scarce by late September. The Shorshe Ilish thus becomes both nostalgia and celebration on a plate — a tribute to homecoming, heritage, and the goddess herself.
Ingredients
-
Hilsa fish (cut into 5–6 medium pieces)
-
4 tbsp mustard seeds (yellow or a mix of black and yellow)
-
2–3 green chilies
-
½ tsp turmeric powder
-
4 tbsp mustard oil
-
Salt to taste
-
A splash of water
Step-by-Step Recipe
https://www
1. In a small bowl, soak mustard seeds for 30 minutes. Then with a help of a mixture, grind with green chilies and a pinch of salt into a smooth paste. You could also use a silbatta for an authentic taste.
2. Now, in an another big bow, take the washed Hilsa fish pieces and rub them with turmeric and salt. Set aside for 10–15 minutes.
3. In a frying pan, heat mustard oil till it smokes lightly. Add the mustard paste, a little turmeric, and water to form a smooth gravy. Cook until oil separates.
4. Gently place Hilsa pieces into the gravy. Cover and cook on low flame for 8–10 minutes until the fish is tender but not broken.
5. Top with slit green chilies and a drizzle of raw mustard oil for that authentic punch. Serve hot with steamed rice.
Shorshe Ilish is more than just food — it’s emotion. The pungent aroma of mustard, the soft richness of Hilsa, and the simplicity of steamed rice together create the quintessential Pujo lunch. As families gather after pushpanjali or during adda at home, this dish binds tradition with taste, making it a must-try recipe for Durga Puja 2025. This Pujo, bring the taste of Bengal home with this timeless recipe and let your kitchen echo the festive joy of Durga’s arrival.