Lotia shutki is one of the most popular and widely used dried fish varieties in Bengali cuisine. These small whole fish are sun-dried to a firm, lightweight texture and carry a bold, pungent aroma that is unmistakable to anyone who grew up with shutki in the kitchen. Dry lotia fish is favoured for its versatility -- it fries beautifully, mashes well into bhorta, and holds its shape in curries.

Dry fish concentrates the natural proteins and umami of fresh fish into an intensely flavoured ingredient that no substitute can replicate. The drying process gives lotia shutki a satisfying crunch when fried and a deep, savoury backbone when added to wet preparations. Hills Harvest delivers shutki online for the Bengali community in western Sydney who want to buy dry fish online from a trusted source.

Fry whole pieces in hot oil with turmeric and salt until crispy and golden for the classic shutki bhaji. Tear into pieces and mash with mustard oil, raw onion, green chilli, and garlic for a quick lotia shutki bhorta. Or add to a slow-cooked curry with potatoes.

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Hills Harvest delivers dry fish across The Hills Shire, Blacktown, Parramatta, and Hawkesbury.