Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil and Ilish – The Perfect Combination

Q: Can I use refined oils instead of mustard oil for Ilish?

Yes, you can use refined oils, but it may not taste as authentic as traditional wedding or restaurant-style Ilish. The pungency of Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is what gives Hilsa dishes their signature Bengali taste and aroma.

Bengalis love Ilish or Hilsa. It is not just a fish but an emotion. When the Ilish season arrives, Hilsa becomes a staple for many Bengali households. But the fish alone is not enough, it needs the right oil to bring out the rich flavour- Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil. When Ilish is cooked in mustard oil, it becomes a culinary delight. Beyond taste, mustard oil also carries with it layers of health and wellness. It enhances the flavor of Ilish while delivering heart-friendly nutrients, making this combination as wholesome as it is delicious.

How Does Mustard Oil Make Ilish More Flavoursome?

Like other fish, Hilsha also has a “fishy” smell. But its unique flavour can sometimes feel a bit overpowering. Mustard oil perfectly complements Ilish. When the fish slices are fried in smoking hot Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil, their rich flavour makes you aware. You know someone is making or eating Ilish just from the smell. When you put it in mustard oil or open the lid, the whole room fills with the aroma. The pungency of mustard oil brings out the authentic Bengali character in Ilish recipes. It carries volatile compounds like allyl isothiocyanate, which create that nose-tingling aroma. Many Bengalis don’t even leave the fried oil and consume it with a bowl of steaming hot rice.

Must-Try Ilish Recipes with Mustard Oil

While Ilish can be cooked in many ways, the most popular recipes all use mustard oil. Here are a few must-try dishes:

Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in Mustard Paste)

It is perhaps the most iconic dish in Bengali cuisine! Shorshe Ilish is a medley of ground mustard seeds, green chilies, turmeric, and, of course, cooked in Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil. The pungent flavour of the mustard paste is mellowed by the natural oiliness of Hilsa, creating a luxurious gravy that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Ilish Bhapa (Steamed Hilsa with Mustard Oil)

While Bengalis love to fry their fish, Ilish Bhapa is still a very popular recipe. It is one of the healthiest and most flavorful ways to prepare Ilish as well. In this dish, the fish is coated in mustard paste and drizzled generously with mustard oil before being steamed to perfection. The slow cooking method makes the Ilish soft and rich with flavours.

Ilish Paturi (Hilsa Wrapped in Banana Leaf)

Monsoon weddings seem incomplete without Ilish Paturi! Not just weddings, but it is also a staple for different functions and celebrations. The cooking process involves marinating the fish with mustard paste and mustard oil, then wrapping it in banana leaves before cooking. The banana leaf infuses a smoky sweetness, while Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil makes sure the flavors stay true to tradition.

Health Benefits of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is made from mustard seeds. While oils have a misconception of being unhealthy, there are several hidden benefits of using Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil for cooking:

Rich in Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA): mustard oil is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, known to promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.
Contains Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA): ALA in mustard oil helps maintain normal cholesterol levels, making it a heart-friendly choice compared to many refined oils.
Packed with Natural Antioxidants: With compounds like tocopherols (a form of Vitamin E), mustard oil helps fight oxidative stress, protecting the body from free radicals and aging-related issues.

Choose the Right Mustard Oil for Cooking Ilish

Ilish tastes even more delicious when you choose the right mustard oil. Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is made using a cold-pressed method where the mustard seeds are crushed in a stone mill to extract the oil. This adds a more raw, pungent, and flavorful taste to the oil, which is perfect for an Ilish recipe, be it for simple frying or steaming. However, the market today is filled with many brands offering low-quality oil. Keep in mind that authentic mustard oils come with certifications, such as ensuring purity, safety, and trust for consumers. Doctors’ Choices’ Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is FSSAI, Halal, and ISO certified. These stamps of approval ensure that our mustard oil is a globally accepted choice for conscious households.

Wrap Up

Using mustard oil for cooking Ilish is not something new. It dates back to the root of our heritage, culture, and well-being. For Bengalis and fish lovers everywhere, the combination represents a piece of identity that has stood the test of time. Mustard oil enhances the flavour of Ilish, making it an unforgettable experience. Even many non-fish lovers have started to enjoy this after having a taste of the Ilish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil the best for cooking Ilish?

Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is cold-pressed, which preserves its natural pungency and raw flavor. This strong aroma perfectly complements the rich taste of Ilish, enhancing the traditional Bengali recipes.

Does mustard oil remove the strong fishy smell of Ilish?

Yes, mustard oil balances the natural fishy smell of Hilsa with its pungent aroma. In fact, the sizzling of Ilish in mustard oil creates the signature smell that Bengalis associate with this delicacy.

What are the health benefits of using mustard oil in Ilish recipes?

Mustard oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA), and antioxidants. These help support heart health, reduce cholesterol, and fight oxidative stress while adding authentic flavor to your meals.

Can I use refined oils instead of mustard oil for Ilish?

Yes, you can use refined oils , but it may not taste as good as you have in weddings or restaurants. The pungency of Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil is what gives Hilsa dishes their authentic Bengali taste and aroma.

How do I know if the mustard oil I buy is authentic and safe?

Look for certifications like FSSAI, Halal, and ISO on the label. These ensure purity, safety, and quality. Authentic Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil will also have a distinct pungent smell and golden color.

Share On: