Tilottama Rui (Rohu Cooked With Sesame Seeds)

Today I’m posting a traditional Bengali fish preparation Tilottama Rui (Rohu fish with sesame seeds). This classic Bong dish acquires its name from the word Til which is the Bong name for sesame. Sesame seeds paste is the main ingredient in the dish along with yellow mustard paste which gives this dish the most wonderful flavor. Making use of the least number of condiments this dish is a winner any day. We need a portion of Rohu fish weighing at least 3 kgs or more for this because the taste comes out best with a bigger fish. This dish should ideally be paired with a plate of hot steamed rice for a perfect lunch. Here’s the recipe….

Tilottama Rui

Tilottama Rui

Tilottama Rui

Tilottama Rui

Tilottama Rui

Tilottama Rui

Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 700 gms Rohu cut in large pieces
• 4 tablespoons white sesame seeds  
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
• 6-7 green chillies
• 7-8 cloves of garlic pasted
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 3-4 tablespoons of milk
• Salt n sugar to taste
• Mustard oil as per requirement

Process:

Soak mustard seeds with 4 green chillies and some salt for half an hour and make a smooth paste. Now dry roast the sesame seeds on a pan/tawa, soak them in water for 10 minutes and make a smooth paste. Keep aside. Wash the fish pieces and smear them with salt and turmeric. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the fish pieces golden on both sides. Take them out. Now in the same oil put in the ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell is gone. Make a mixture of the mustard paste with milk and add it. Add the fried fish pieces, n salt. Now add the sesame seeds paste and a big cup of water, give a good stir. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes. Turn off the flame and garnish with slit green chillies and chopped coriander leaves.