Sazida Fatema Binte Azad Antika
2 min readDec 1, 2024
Dried Fish Bhuna (Bengal Delicacy)

A Bengali's Connection to Dried Fish

Bengalis, known for liking fish, have a special connection to shutki, which is dried fish. This dish, coming mostly from the coastal areas of East and West Bengal, has a distinct taste that has pleased many for years.

There are certain coastal areas which include Digha, Sankarpur and Cox’s Bazar which are famous for making different varieties of dried fish such as Loitta, Chingri (prawn) , Ilish and Chepa. Making dried fish is a careful process, involving thorough cleaning and drying to keep its taste and texture.

Though the smell of dried fish can be unappealing to some, the result is a delightful treat. To cook an easy but tasty dried fish meal, you will need:

Any Dried Fish

Chopped onion

Minced garlic

Mustard oil (or your chosen oil)

Green chilies

Chopped tomatoes

Salt

Cumin powder

Here's how to prepare it:

Sauté the Aromatics:

Put oil in a pan then put onion and garlic in it. Sauté until golden brown.

Fry the Fish:

Add the cleaned dried fish to the pan and fry until slightly browned.

Add the Spices:

Put the cumin powder, tomatoes and salt into the mixture.

Simmer and Serve:

Put a little water, and let it simmer on low heat for about 4-5 minutes.

This flavourful dish is best paired with steamed rice to complete a traditional Bengali meal.

So, the next time you are in a Bengali home, do not get surprised if you are served some dried fish. It is a proof of how much Bengalis cherish their food.

Sazida Fatema Binte Azad Antika
Sazida Fatema Binte Azad Antika

Written by Sazida Fatema Binte Azad Antika

Hi there, a little girl from Bangladesh. 🇧🇩 Currently residing in India for study purpose.. Full time graphic designer, Part time homecook. Love to travel. ✨

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