Ilish Macher Paturi/Hilsa Steamed In Banana Leaf Recipe

step 1

• STEP 1.grind together 40 gm soaked mustard seeds, 4 green chilies and 100 ml water to make a smooth paste. Add 40 gm chopped coconut and grind again till smooth. Transfer the ground mixture to a bowl.

step 2

• STEP 1.to this add 50 gm beaten yogurt and 20 ml mustard oil. Mix well using the folding motion to incorporate all the oil.

step 3

• STEP 1.in a bowl, place the 400 gm of 3 cm thick sliced fish. Pour the ground mixture over the fish and coat it well, filling the cavities of the cut fish.

step 4

• STEP 1.keep fish aside to marinate for 15 minutes.

step 5

• STEP 1.wash and cut banana leaves. Each piece should measure 20 cm by 50 cm.

step 6

• STEP 1.on low heat gently toast the sheets on a tawa, pressing them down gently with a cloth and ensuring the y heat evenly. This will prevent the leaves from cracking when folded.

step 7

• STEP 1.slit 3 to4 green chilies, 1 for each piece of fish.

step 8

• STEP 1.spoon a layer of mustard paste in the center of the banana leaf, set and ilish mach (hilsa fish) on it. Top off with some more paste and a slit green chili.

step 9

• STEP 1.carefully fold the leaf over the fish to form a neat parcel. The leaf should be large enough to completely wrap the fish.

step 10

• STEP 1.tie the parcel with a cotton string. Wind twice over for added security. Tie a bow and cut off the excess string.

step 11

• STEP 1.add 1 tsp of oil to a hot pan and let it heat. Place the paturi side by side on the pan/ tawa and cover with a lid.

step 12

• STEP 1.cover the pan and steam the fish parcel on low heat for 5 minutes. Then turn the parcel over, cover and steam for another 5 minutes

step 13

• STEP 1.unwrap the parcel and serve the fish as is, with steamed rice.