How to make Shorshe Ilish Pizz

To make a Shorshe Ilish Pizza, you can create a fusion dish that combines the flavors of traditional Bengali cuisine with the concept of a classic pizza. Here’s a recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

For the Shorshe Ilish (Mustard Hilsa) topping:

• 4-6 pieces of hilsa fish (ilish), cleaned and cut into steaks
• 4 tablespoons mustard paste (shorshe bata)
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)

For the Pizza:

• 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pizza sauce or tomato sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Hilsa Fish:

• In a bowl, mix together mustard paste, yogurt, mustard oil, turmeric powder, and salt to form a marinade.
• Coat the hilsa fish steaks with this marinade, making sure they are well covered. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the Shorshe Ilish (Mustard Hilsa):

• Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little mustard oil.
• Place the marinated hilsa fish steaks in the pan along with the marinade.
• Add slit green chilies on top.
• Cook the fish on both sides until they are cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

• Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended for your pizza dough.
• Roll out the pizza dough onto a floured surface into your desired shape (round, rectangle, etc.).

4. Assemble the Pizza:

• Place the rolled out dough onto a pizza stone or baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Arrange the cooked Shorshe Ilish (Mustard Hilsa) on top of the sauce.
• Scatter sliced onions and tomatoes over the fish.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza.

5. Bake the Pizza:

• Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake according to your dough’s instructions or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

6. Serve:

• Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven.
• Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
• Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired.
• Slice and serve your unique Shorshe Ilish Pizza hot!

This fusion of Bengali flavors with a classic pizza format creates a delightful dish that’s perfect for sharing and enjoying. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference and savor the delicious blend of mustard, fish, and cheese.