Gandharaj Ilish Bhapa

Ah... finally this is a winner. I have these good quality Hilsa sitting in my fridge and I have some Gandaraj Lebu - (Kaffir Lime) too,, which needs to be used immediately. So made Jugalbandi of these two otherwise awesome ingredients, and the end result is just WoW !!!

Ingredients:

• Ilish fish/ hilsa - 6 pc
• Mustard seed - 4 tbsp 
• Poppy seed - 3 tbsp 
• Grated Coconut - 2 tbsp
• Kalojeera/ kalonji/ nigella seed - ½ tsp 
• Green chilly - according to taste
• Red chili powder -½ tsp 
• Turmeric powder
• Mustard oil
• Gandharaj lebu zest - ½ tsp 
• Gandharaj lebu pata / leaves - 3-4
• Gandharaj lebu rash/  juice - 1 to 2 tsp 
• Fresh cream -2 tbsp
• Salt to taste

Blend mustard paste, poppy seed paste, grated coconut, kalojeera, green chili paste, red chili powder, salt, turmeric powder. Mix with mustard oil and gandharaj lebu ( kaffir lime) zest.

Marinate the fish with this mixture and set aside for 30 minutes. 

Now heat the pan with some more mustard oil. Place the marinated fish piece onto it and pour all the masala over the fish. 

Put the flame low, cover and cook till the fish is done. If require, sprinkle a splash of water.

When the fish is well cooked add fresh cream and gandharaj lebu  juice. 

Then tore the gandharaj lebu leaves in to pieces and slightly mix them with the gravy.

Put off the flame and cover with a lid and give 10 minutes standing time so the fresh flavors of kaffir lime get mixed with the fish.

Serve with plain rice.