How to make Hilsha Masala Pizza

Making a Hilsha Masala Pizza combines the flavors of traditional Bangladeshi cuisine with a popular Italian dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious Hilsha Masala Pizza:

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:

• 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 medium-sized Hilsha fish (Hilsha ilish) or another firm, flavorful fish
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Sliced onions
• Sliced green chilies
• Chopped coriander leaves
• Grated mozzarella cheese
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

a. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

b. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

c. Mix everything together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

d. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Hilsha Masala:

a. Clean and wash the Hilsha fish. Pat dry with paper towels.

b. In a bowl, mix together mustard oil, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to create a marinade.

c. Rub this marinade all over the fish, making sure to coat it well. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. Cook the Hilsha Fish:

a. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil.

b. Place the marinated Hilsha fish in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove from heat and let it cool.

c. Once cooled, flake the fish into smaller pieces, discarding any bones.

4. Assemble the Pizza:

a. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

b. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired pizza shape.

c. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet.

d. Brush the dough with some olive oil.

e. Spread the cooked and flaked Hilsha fish evenly over the dough.

f. Scatter sliced onions, green chilies, and chopped coriander leaves over the fish.

g. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza.

h. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

a. Remove the pizza from the oven.

b. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and lemon wedges.

c. Slice and serve your Hilsha Masala Pizza hot, and enjoy the unique fusion of Bangladeshi and Italian flavors!

Feel free to adjust the spice levels and toppings according to your preference. This recipe combines the richness of Hilsha fish with classic pizza elements to create a truly special dish.