Ingredients
2 pieces of Hilsa fish (Ilish)
1 small eggplant (begun), cut into thin slices
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tomato, finely chopped
2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons mustard oil (for an authentic taste) or a healthier cooking oil
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
If you love seafood and want to try a delicious Bengali dish, you’re in for a treat. Begun Diye Ilish Macher Jhol is a traditional Bengali Hilsa fish curry that’s easy to make at home. This recipe combines tender Hilsa fish with eggplant (begun) for a mouthwatering meal that’s packed with flavor.
Whether you’re a cooking pro or a beginner, you can learn to make this dish and experience the wonderful taste of Bengal. So, let’s get cooking!

How To Make Begun Diye Ilish Macher Jhol?
It is a delicious Bengali dish that combines the rich flavor of Hilsa fish (Ilish) with eggplant (begun). You can add this dish to your weight loss diet. Here’s a recipe for 2 servings:
- Start by cleaning the Hilsa fish. Remove any scales and wash them well. You can cut the fish into smaller pieces if desired.
- Rub the fish pieces with a pinch of turmeric and salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes.
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil (or any cooking oil you prefer). Mustard oil adds an authentic Bengali flavor, but it has a strong taste.
- Fry the fish pieces in the hot oil until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed, and then add the sliced eggplant. Sauté until the eggplant becomes soft and slightly browned.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the fried eggplant back to the pan and mix with the spices.
- Return the seared Hilsa fish pieces to the pan and gently mix them with the eggplant curry and spices.
- Add enough water to achieve the desired consistency for the curry. Cover the pan and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
- Serve your Begun Macher Jhol hot with steamed rice for an authentic Bengali meal.
nutritional value:
So, here’s a table with the approx nutrients you can enjoy with this recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|
| Calories | 250-300 calories |
| Protein | 15-20 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30 grams |
| Fat | 10-15 grams |
| Fiber | 3-5 grams |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Iron, Calcium from vegetables |
| Sodium | Varies depending on salt usage |
| Spices | Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties from spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric |
Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in the recipe. For precise nutritional information, you may want to calculate the values based on your recipe and ingredients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Hilsa Fish, And Where Can I Find It?
Hilsa fish, often referred to as the “King of Fish,” is a popular seafood in Bengal and other coastal regions of India and Bangladesh. You can typically find it in seafood markets or stores that specialize in Indian or Bengali ingredients.
Can I Use Any Eggplant For This Recipe?
While you can experiment with different types of eggplants, it’s best to use the traditional long, slender eggplants known as “Begun” in Bengali cuisine.
Is This Begun Diye Ilish Macher Jhol Recipe Very Spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. The recipe usually includes green chilies and spices, but you can control the heat by adding more or fewer chilies.
Do I Need Any Special Spices For This Recipe?
Most of the spices used in this recipe are common in Indian and Bengali cooking. You’ll also need ingredients like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Fish If I Can’t Find Hilsa?
While Hilsa is the traditional choice for this dish, you can certainly substitute it with other fatty fish like mackerel or sardines. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different.

Contact Us Today
We’re never leaving you hanging with doubts, queries, as well as confusing questions. We understand how all this information gets overwhelming as well as a little confusing on your way to a healthy lifestyle. Hence, you can always contact us at any time as our experts are here to guide you 24/7. Also, we will help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Disclaimer
This blog post is to help you to make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The important thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian before starting if you have any concerns.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy as well, and Enjoy a long happy life.
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