The word “bharta” means “mash and mix.” Bhortas are the simplest and the ultimate comfort food of Bangladesh. The key to Bangladeshi style bhortas are mustard oil, garlic, onion, and chilli. Bhortas are the most informal everyday food for Bangladeshis. It is usually a very spicy preparation. However, It can be adjusted according to your taste! Bhartas are best enjoyed with ‘Steamed rice’ and ‘Panta bhat,’ which means ‘fermented rice.’
ROYAL HILSA FISH GILL BHARTA
ইলিশ কানশা ভর্তা
5/5
SERVES
4
PREPARATION
10 Mins
COOKING
15 Mins
250 g gills of hilsa fish 50 g hilsa fish 2 tablespoons vinegar ¼ cup oil 2 tablespoons dried shrimp meat (page 354) 4-5 dry red chillies ¼ cup shallot, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons garlic, sliced 1 teaspoon salt
২৫০ গ্রাম ইলিশ মাছের ফুলকা
৫০ গ্রাম ইলিশ মাছ
২ টেবিল চামচ ভিনেগার
¼ কাপ তেল
২ টেবিল চামচ শুকনো চিংড়ির মাং স(পৃষ্ঠা ৩৫৪)
৪-৫ শুকনো লাল মরিচ
¼ কাপ দেশি পেঁয়াজ, কুঁচি
২ টেবিল চামচ রসুন, কাটা
১ চা চামচ লবণ
DETAILS :
WASH the gills and the fish in running water. Soak only the fish gill in the vinegar for 2 hours. Drain and wash under running water again. Heat oil and fry the fish gills until crisp, remove to kitchen paper. In the same oil fry the fish pieces until light brown, and remove them from the oil.
FRY the dried shrimp and dry chillies for 2-3 minutes and remove from the oil onto a kitchen paper. Fry shallot and garlic until golden brown. Remove from the oil. Pound to make a fine paste with all the fried ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning.