Ilish Macher Paturi | Shorshe diye Ilish Macher Bhapa Recipe

Ilish Macher Paturi | Shorshe diye Ilish Macher Bhapa Recipe | Beng...

Ilish Machh'er Kolapaturi: Steamed Bengali Hilsa in Banana Leaf

Ilish Machh'er Kolapaturi is a cherished Bengali delicacy that celebrates the richness of Hilsa (Ilish) fish. This traditional dish involves marinating the fish in a luscious mustard-based paste, then steaming it in banana leaves, infusing the fish with a fragrant and earthy aroma. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this elegant dish reflects the vibrant culinary heritage of Bengal.

Ingredients

🧂 24g Salt
🍬 2g Sugar
🌿 2g Turmeric Powder
🌴 40g Coconut Peeled and Chopped
🌶️ 8 Green Chillies (4 for grinding, 4 for garnishing)
🥛 50g Yoghurt
🛢️ 20g Mustard Oil
🌾 40g Brown + Yellow Mustard Seeds soaked overnight and drained
💧 100g Water for grinding mustard seeds
🐟 280g Ilish Machh (Hilsa Fish), 4 pieces, 3cm-thick pieces
🍃 4 sheets of Kolapata (Banana Leaf), each approx. 20cm x 50cm
🧵 Cotton String

Instructions

1- Prepare the Mustard Paste:

Place soaked and drained mustard seeds into a blender jar.
Add 4 chopped green chillies and 100g water.
Grind into a fine, smooth paste, scraping down sides as necessary.
Transfer to a mixing bowl and add turmeric powder, salt, sugar, chopped coconut and yoghurt.
Add mustard oil and mix thoroughly using a folding motion.

2- Marinate the Fish:

Lay the fish pieces in a rectangular dish.
Coat thoroughly with the mustard paste, filling cavities.
Marinate for 15 minutes.

3- Prepare the Banana Leaves:

Rinse and cut leaves into specified sheets.
Toast gently on a low-heat pan to prevent cracking.

4- Assemble the Paturi Parcels:

Slit remaining green chillies lengthwise.
Lay a banana leaf sheet flat, spoon mustard paste in center.
Place a marinated fish piece on paste, add another layer of paste and a slit chilli.
Fold leaf into a parcel and secure with cotton string. Repeat for each fish piece.

5- Steam the Paturi:

Heat mustard oil on a pan and place parcels.
Cover and steam for 5 minutes per side on low heat.
Carefully turn and steam again before removing.

6- Serve:

Serve hot with steamed rice, unpack parcels one at a time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (5 minutes per side)
Total Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 324 kcal per serving
Equipment:
📋 Wooden Cutting Board
🔪 Chef's Knife
🍛 Measuring Spoons/Cups
🥣 Small Glass/Terracotta Bowls
📐 Rectangular Baking Dish
🍳 Non-stick Tawa/Flat Pan
🥄 Metal Spatula
📋 Glass Lid
✂️ Small Kitchen Scissors
🍽️ White Ceramic Serving Plate
🥣 Steel Bowl for Rice Shaping
🧵 Generic Cotton String
🧺 Green and White Checkered Cotton Cloth