How to Steam a Fish - Bong Style

Bhetki Macher Paturi

The word "Paturi" , means leaf and we Bengali's , generally ideate this dish to a glistening - neatly packed green parcel , seated on a heap if steamed rice , ready to be devoured hurriedly. Being in a fast paced metropolis , I usually allow myself to modify it to an easier version , without essentially compromising on the essence of the dish . You can make this with Bhetki ( Barramundi ) or alternate it with prawns or hilsa .

If you don't have a banana leaf , do not fret . Check out our Pro- tip at the end of the recipe by which , you will off -course not have the ' ideal looking ' Paturi , we spoke about earlier , but you will still orgasm on the core taste of the dish , which lies in the spiced mustard - poppy seed paste and the slow steaming process .

Here , I am listing the full Paturi recipe , for days you are up for the dress- up and full drill .

Things you will need

• 4 fish fillets - cut to 4*2 inch pieces

• 1/2 tbsp mustard seeds ( white mustard is better )

• 2 tbsp poppy seeds

• 1 & 1/2 finely chopped onion ( medium size )

• 4 green chillies , slit in half - longitudinally

• 1 & 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder

• 1 Banana leaf , cut into medium rectangle ( as if to gift wrap the fish)

• 3 tbsp mustard oil - for dressing

• 1/4 cup finely grated coconut

• Salt, to taste

• 1/2 tsp sugar

Prepare the Marinade

• Soak 1/2 tbsp mustard seeds + 2 tbsp Poppy seeds in warm water .

• In a wet grinder , make a fine paste of the mustard seeds , poppy seeds , coconut 1 green chilli and rest aside.

Steps :

• To begin , heat a flat pan ( something like a roti pan )

• Turn down the heat and place your banana leaf pieces on the pan one by one and lightly toast them for 15 seconds on each side , pressing down with a soft cloth . You you will see that the leaf will start to get pliable . This will help you wrap the fish like a gift box and make the paturi .

• In a mixing bowl , take the previously prepared marinade paste - add the turmeric , salt, mustard oil , chopped onion and a pinch of sugar and mix well .

• Rub this marinate onto the fish pieces properly

• Place a banana leaf ( glossy side up ) over a plate . Next place a piece of the marinated fish in the center of the banana leaf, top with a slit green chilli and some mustard oil .

• Fold the banana leaf to make it a square parcel and secure with a cotton thread , such that the parcels do not open while cooking. Repeat the process with all the fish pieces.

• Now take a non-stick pan and grease some oil on it . Place the banana leaf wrapped fish pieces on it .

• Close the pan with a heavy lid and cook on medium heat for 8-9 minutes on each side on medium heat.

• Serve the freshly prepared steaming hot paturi along with plain steamed rice

Pro-tip : To simplify the entire process on a lazy day - You can put the marinated fish into airtight steel container ( preferably a tiffin dabba ). Toss it into a double boiler for 15 mins to steam and then let it rest. Trust me , you wont miss a thing !