Sunday, February 20, 2011

Maacher Paturi (fish steamed in banana leaf)

Maacher Paturi


Paturi means wrapped and steamed food. Typically wrapped in banana leaf, but if you cannot find fresh banana leaf feel free to use aluminium foil. However, the taste of steamed food in banana leaf is what makes Bengali's paturi so delicious.

Today, I prepared Rui Maacher Paturi. It is simple to make and quite healthy, especially because it is fat free. Here is the secret if you are craving for good fish and nice vital stats ;-)

All you need is:
One big fresh banana leaf, cleaned and cut in to small pieces (about 20cm X 15cm).
Freshly grounded mustard and coconut paste
Salt and turmeric powder
Five drops of oil
And ofcourse fresh Rui Maach pieces or any fish that you prefer

What you do with the ingredients
Just marinate the fish pieces in salt and turmeric powder for 10min.

Then, put the steamer and bring the water to boil.

Paste: The best way to get mustard paste is: Soak mustard seed in water for 10mins and then ground it using stone mortar and pestle (instead of bowl shaped mortar we use flat shape). Add the freshly grated coconut and fresh green chilli.

Oil the banana leaf pc and add one teaspoon of paste in the centre

Put the marinated fish pc on top of the paste and add one more teaspoon of paste on the top. Add one green chilli on top of the fish pc

Wrap the banana leaf and seal the ends with tooth pick or tie it with a cotton thread.

Steam it for 15-20mins.

Paturi is ready to serve with hot rice!

Hope to sweeten get the next blog with Sandesh recipe.... :-)