Ash gourd curry with Hilsa Fishhead
![Ilish macher matha diye chal kumro](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-macher-matha-diye-chal-kumro-2.png)
This dish requires a tender ash gourd and Hilsa fish head which makes this dish delicious. You can prepare pui shak or malabar spinach with hilsa fish head.Though ash gourd is similar to a bottle gourd, having a great difference in taste after cooking. Here I am preparing Ilish macher matha diye chal kumro or Ash gourd curry with Hilsa Fish head, but you can make it with any fish head like rohu or Katla fish also.
Main equipment
- Wok/ Kadai
- Spatula
- Serving bowl/dish
Ingredients For Ilish macher matha diye chal kumro
- Chal kumro/Ash gourd-750gm
- Hilsa/Ilish fish head-1 (medium size)
- Mustard Oil-2 tbsp
- Bay leaves-2
- Red chili-1
- Cumin seeds-1/2 tbsp
- Cardamom-2
- Ginger paste-1 tbsp
- Cinnamon -1/2 inch stick
- Peppercorns-8
- Sugar-1/2 tbsp
- Turmeric powder-1 tbsp
- Green chilies-3
- Salt to taste
How to make Ilish macher matha diye chal kumro
Cut the ash gourd in Julian shape
![Ilish chal kumro step1](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilishchal-kumro-step1.png)
Clean and wash the hilsa fish head and rub with salt and turmeric powder.
![Ilish chal kumro step2](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilishchal-kumro-step2.png)
Take a Kadai, heat 2 tbsp mustard oil, let it come to the smoky point, then add the hilsa fish head to fry; once fried in one side then turn it over to another side to fry evenly. Once fried take it out from the Kadai.
![Ilish chal kumro step3](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step3.png)
Now in the same oil add cumin seeds, red chili, and bay leaves to temper
![Ilish chal kumro step4](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step4.png)
Add peppercorn, cardamom, and cinnamon stick, and stir them.
![Ilish chal kumro step5](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step5.png)
Now add the fried fish head, a lot of smoke will come out
![Ilish chal kumro step6](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step6.png)
After adding the fish head, add the chal kumro/ash gourd
![Ilish chal kumro step7](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step7.png)
Add turmeric powder and salt
![Ilish chal kumro step8](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step8.png)
Then add sugar and ginger paste
![Ilish chal kumro step9](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step9.png)
Stir them continuously to mix all ingredients in a low-medium flame
![Ilish chal kumro step10](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step10.png)
Now cover the lid, and allow it to cook in its own water for 5-6 minutes on low flame, no need to add water.
![Ilish chal kumro step11](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step11.png)
Open the lid, and you will see the water is still there.
![Ilish chal kumro step12](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step12.png)
Now keep the flame in medium and stir it to make it dry.
![Ilish chal kumro step13](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step13.png)
Now the curry is almost dry, so stir them fast.
![Ilish chal kumro step14](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step14.png)
Transfer them to a serving plate and serve hot with hot piping rice.
![Ilish chal kumro step15](https://www.yummyfoodanddiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Ilish-chal-kumro-step15.png)