Ilish Paturi (Hisla cooked in Banana Leaf)

Bengali's are still entangled in its love even in this age of changing trends. To some the variety of Ganges is tastier than that of Padma as it is more sweet and soft to taste. While a large section of Bengalis especially those who emigrated from Bangladesh are blind fans of the Padma variety. Keep aside the taste the nostalgia mingles with it.

Particularly in this rainy season hilsa is considered one of the best delicacies on Bengali menu. There are many preparations of this fish. Taken fried, or with soup (jhol), baked folded in banana leaf (paturi) or steamed with mustard (bhape) it goes well with khichuri, as well as with panta or watered rice. In the traditional protocol of Bengali entertainment, serving hilsa to very near, dear and honored guests for lunch or dinner is almost an obligation. Without this all other items, however rich those may be, are considered inadequate.

Here’s a simple recipe of Ilish Paturi which tastes simply divine.

Ingredients: 

Hilsa Fish                         : 6 big pieces

Mustard Oil                       : 6 tbsp

Ginger Paste                     : 8 tsp

Salt                                 : to taste

Turmeric Powder                : 1 tsp

Black Mustard Seeds          : 3 tbsp

Green Chilli                      : 2-3 (according to taste)

Sour Curd                         : 6 tbsp

Banana Leaf                     : 6 pcs

Coconut (grated)               : 6 tbsp
Cotton string

Method:

Make a paste out of the mustard seeds, green chillies, ginger, turmeric powder and grated coconut. Add sour curd and mix well. Check for seasoning. Add mustard oil to the paste and apply the paste on the fish pieces. Take a squarish piece of banana leaf, lightly heat it on a open flame to make it soft, grease it with mustard oil and place a marinated fish along with some marinade on it. Place a slit green chili on top of it, wrap it and secure it with cotton string. Now steam them in a bamboo or idli steamer for 15-25 min ( will depend on the size of the fish pieces) till cooked.

This can also be cooked in the microwave or simply roasted on a griddle (tava). Open the packets and serve hot with steamed rice.

Note: You can cook prawns and bhetki and even koi in the same manner. It  tastes excellent.