Hilsa, or Ilish, is a beloved delicacy in Bangladesh. It is renowned for its unique flavour and tender texture. Its rich taste and aroma make it an exclusive choice for traditional Bangladeshi dishes, cherished by food lovers nationwide. Let’s delve into different and exclusive Ilish recipes to savour.  Nutrients and Health Benefits of Hilsa Fish Ilish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation. It provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The fish is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, supporting brain function and bone health. Additionally, Ilish contains selenium, which boosts the immune system, and essential fatty acids that maintain healthy skin. Consuming Ilish can contribute to well-being and a balanced diet.  Read more: Healthy Alternatives to Cakes and Cookies: 7 Delicious and Nutritious Swaps 10 Mouthwatering Ilish Recipes to Try at Home Ilish Paturi Ingredients 4 pieces Ilish fish (3-cm-thick pieces), 40 grams mustard seeds (soaked 2 hours), 8 pieces green chillies, 40 grams grated coconut, 50 grams yoghurt (beaten), 24 grams salt, 2 g sugar, 2 g turmeric powder,  and 20 g mustard oil.

Shab-e-Barat, a night of forgiveness and blessings, is a significant occasion for Muslims worldwide. As the night approaches, families gather to pray and share joyous moments. What better way to enhance the celebration than indulging in sweet and savoury delights? Here, we present exclusive recipes for a delectable Shab-e-Barat feast. 10 Delicious Shab-e-Barat Special Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Chickpeas Barfi (Cholar Dal-er Barfi) Ingredients 1/2 cup chickpeas (cholar dal), 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons ghee, 1/2 teaspoon powdered cardamom, 2 cups thick milk, 1 tablespoon condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons mixed, dry fruits (as desired, for garnishing, preferably cashews for decoration) Instructions First, soak chickpeas (cholar dal) for 2 hours, and grind. Then mix the paste in thick milk with cardamom and a tablespoon of ghee. Cook on low heat, stirring to avoid sticking.  Now, gradually add the rest of the ghee. Once thickened, transfer to a greased plate, let it set for 30 minutes, then cut into square shapes. You can garnish with cashews or preferred dry fruits before serving. Read more: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar Shahi Carrot Halwa (Gajar-er Shahi Malai Halwa) Ingredients 500 grams carrots, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon fresh cream (malai), 2 tablespoons ghee, 1/2 cup sugar or as needed, 1 pinch salt, 10-12 cashew nuts (chopped), 12 raisins, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, 250 ml full cream milk, 6 tablespoon powder milk, and 1 tablespoon date palm jaggery Instructions  First, peel and grate carrots. Boil milk, add milk powder and date palm jaggery for malai. Simmer until semi-thick. Next, fry grated carrots in ghee, sweeten them with sugar, and cook in milk. Then, combine with malai, stirring constantly.  After that, roast cashews, raisins, and cardamom powder in ghee, mix with halwa, set in a mould, and garnish with cashews. Serve Shahi Malai Gajar Halwa warm for a delectable sweet dessert with a twist.  Read more: Healthy Sehri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting Semolina Halwa (Neshesta Halwa) Ingredients1 cup fine suji/semolina, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 4 tablespoons ghee, 1 teaspoon rose water, 2 drops red/orange/green food colour, 1/4 cup pistachio (finely chopped), and 1/4 cup almond (thin slices) Instructions First, wash suji twice and soak it in 2-3 cups of water overnight. Drain the water, add 2 cups of water, and rub well. Next, strain using a cotton cloth, preserving the strained starch.  Then, in a small vessel, mix the starch with sugar, ghee, lemon juice, and rose water. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously on low flame until it becomes transparent and absorbs all the ghee. At this stage, add colour, cook until well-mixed, then add pistachio nuts. Freeze, garnish with sliced almonds, cut as desired, and enjoy! Read more: 7 Exclusive Halwa Ideas, Recipes for holy Shab-e-Barat Coconut Barfi (Narikel-er Barfi) Ingredients 2 cups coconut paste, 1 cup thick milk, 2 tablespoons semolina (suji), 1/2 cup ghee, 1 cup sugar, 1 piece cardamom powder, 2 pieces chopped almonds, and 1 tablespoon raisins Instructions First, heat ghee in a pan, add semolina, and roast. Add coconut paste, stir until roasted, then add milk, sugar, chopped almonds, and raisins. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.  Then, sprinkle cardamom powder, mix well, and transfer the mixture to a greased plate. Level it and cut it into desired shapes. Garnish with raisins and almonds. This narikel barfi can be stored for a few days.  Read more: Microwave Cooking: 7 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes Egg Masub (Dim-er Monsur Pak) Ingredients 3/4 cup oil or ghee, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, and crushed cardamom. Instructions First, in a deep pan, combine eggs, sugar, and oil. Stir with a whisk, incorporating crushed cardamom. Heat the mixture on the stove, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Use a wooden spatula for even stirring and cook for 10 minutes until the oil separates, and the colour and texture change.  Then, turn off the stove. Transfer the mixture to a deep bowl or tin, press it evenly, tilt it to remove excess oil, and let it cool. Finally, cut into squares or rectangles, garnish with cashews, and enjoy this delectable treat. Read more: 15 Tips to Make the Most of Buffet Dining

As the winter approaches, the air carries the scent of festivity. A unique culinary tradition, the art of making winter pitha, comes alive during the cold months in both urban and rural households of Bangladesh. These delectable rice cakes are known for their sweet and savoury flavours. Pitha is an integral part of Bengali culture. Let's explore five delectable savoury winter pitha recipes that will warm your heart and tastebuds. 5 Delicious Savoury Winter Pitha Recipes to Try in Bangladeshi Kitchens Chitoi Pitha Ingredients 1 cup rice flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 cup warm water, and 2 teaspoon green chilli. Read more: Healthy Alternatives to Cakes and Cookies: 7 Delicious and Nutritious Swaps Instructions First, take rice flour, a pinch of salt, finely chopped green chilli, and warm water, creating a smooth batter. Let it rest for 15-30 minutes.  Then, heat a non-stick pan, lightly grease it with oil, and spread the batter around. Cover with a lid, allowing it to steam and cook until soft. Remove with a spatula, place on a plate, and serve with different vortas like mustard, coriander, and dried chilli.  Spicy Chitoi pitha also tastes wonderful with different curries like vegetable curry, beef curry, mutton curry, chicken curry etc.  Read more: 10 Best Teas for Weight Loss

Shutki or dried fish are rich in protein and healthy fats like long-chain omega-3 fatty acid. They are also an excellent source of essential nutrients, including iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, and calcium. Dried fish is a common ingredient in many recipes from Bangladesh's Hill Tracts and coastal districts. Here are top 7 Bangladeshi dried fish recipes to try in your kitchen.  7 Dried Fish Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Chhuri Shutki Bhuna Ingredients: Chhuri Shutki 100 gm, garlic (chopped)- 2 tbsp, onion (chopped)- 1/4 cup, tomato (chopped)- 1/4 cup, green chili- 3-4 pieces, red chili powder- 1/2 ts, turmeric powder- 1/4 ts, cumin powder- 1/4 ts, coriander powder- 1/4 ts, oil- 3 Tbs, salt- 1/2 ts to or taste, and coriander leaf (chopped)- 1 Tbs.  Procedures: First, fry the dried fish for 5 minutes. Then boil the fried fish with water for 4 minutes. Use a strainer to drain the water. Then remove the bones from the fish. Next, put oil in a pan and fry the chopped garlic for 10-12 seconds. Then add the chopped onion and fry as long as the onion becomes soft and tender.  Read more: These are the 10 Most Expensive Teas in the World Add the tomato (chopped), green chili, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook as long as the oil starts to come out from the masala. Add the boiled fish and mix well. Pour some water and cook for 5-7 minutes. Finally, add the chopped coriander leaf and mix, and transfer to a dish. Serve with rice or khichuri. Roasted Loitta Shutki Salad  Ingredients 5-7 pieces of Loitta Shutki, 15-20 pcs green chili, ½ cup onion (chopped), ¼ cup coriander leaves (chopped), and salt (as required).  Procedures: You can use a charcoal BBQ grill if you have one. But if you don’t have one, you just place a net over your gas stove. Then put the dred fish over it. You need to put the heat on medium low. Burn both sides of the fish to make all parts crispy and well-cooked.  Read More: Top 10 Most Expensive Water Bottle Brands in the World After charring, remove all burnt parts using a knife. Then cut or break the dried fish.  Next, roast all green chilies and make a coarse paste by grinding. Mix together the chopped onion, coriander leaves, salt, and roasted dried fish pieces. Enjoy with hot rice. Chepa Shutki Bhorta  Ingredients Chepa Shutki  6 pcs, garlic  1/2 cup (chopped), onion chopped  2 cups, green chili 6-8 pcs, mustard oil 1 tbsp, and salt (as required). Read More: 10 Healthy Gluten-free Breakfast Recipes Procedures: First, heat oil in a pan and fry the shutki for 4 minutes on both sides. Chepa shutki can stick to the pan easily so you need to stir frequently. When done, transfer to a dish.  Then add some oil to the same pan and fry the chopped onions for 2 minutes, or as long as they turn lightly golden. Keep aside. Next, roast the green chili and garlic for 2 minutes.  Now, to prepare the bhorta, mix everything and use a blender or a sheel pata. Serve with white rice.  Read more: 7 Dosa Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen