Ilish Paturi (Fish steam-cooked in Banana Leaf - Bengali style)

          This is a traditional Bengali delicacy called Paturi, where Hilsa fish (a favourite river water fish) is marinated with mustard paste and steamed, wrapped in a banana leaf. You can substitute it with prawns or any boneless fish fillet. 

          It is an extremely easy, simple and an unique recipe that is so yummy and goes well with hot steamed rice. A drizzle of some extra mustard oil to the end product enhances the flavour of the dish. So do give it a try by following a step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.    

           Paturi is a traditional method of steam cooking in a banana leaf. In fact it is an old recipe which is not much heard of. However, such dishes are still prepared in few Bengali homes and is also being served in few Bong restaurants. 

          Besides steaming, it can also be pan fried. Sometimes it is also cooked, wrapped in pumpkin leaves that is simply out of this world. You need to try to believe it.


       

• 2 Ilish fish (Hilsa) fillet 
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp. mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp. mustard oil
• 1-2 green chilies
• 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut 
• 8-10 cashew nuts / 2-3 tbsp. poppy seeds
• 2-3 tbsp. coriander leaves
• few extra fresh green / red chilies (opt)
• banana leaf as required

         Marinate the fish with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile, grind the cashew nuts, mustard seeds, green chilies and coconut to a smooth paste. 

          Mix along with salt, turmeric powder, mustard oil and coriander leaves. Smear this paste all over the fish and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

          Cut the banana leaf into desired size. Heat a tawa / skillet and place the banana leaf on it for a few seconds. The heat will help it to become more pliable so that it can be easily folded without breaking. 

          Take one leaf and place one marinated fish in the centre along with a chili and fold. Tie with a string and keep aside. Do the same with the other fish too.

          Place in a greased steamer and steam for 12-15 minutes. When done, discard the string and open the parcel and serve them with hot steamed rice. 







Note - 
          I had to substitute poppy seeds with cashew nuts as the former is unavailable here. But believe me there was no change in the taste and flavor. It turned out just yummy. 

                      Marinate fish with a pinch of salt & turmeric powder for 10-15 min.

                  Grind cashew nuts, mustard seeds, green chilies & coconut to a smooth paste. 
                  Mix along with salt, turmeric powder, mustard oil and coriander leaves.

                        Smear this paste all over the fish & keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

                 
                    Cut the banana leaf into desired size. Heat a tawa & place banana leaf 
                    on it for few seconds to make it pliable so that it can be folded easily. 
                  

                  Take a leaf & place marinated fish in the center along with a chili & fold. 

                        Tie with a string & keep aside. Do the same with the other fish too. 
                        Steam for 12-15 minutes. 

                                Serve them with hot steamed rice for a lazy weekend lunch.