Ilish Macher Bhapa Paturi – Steamed Hilsa Wrapped in Banana Leaf

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March 17, 2025
Sundarban Hilsa Festival
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🐟 Ilish Macher Bhapa Paturi – Steamed Hilsa Wrapped in Banana Leaf 🍃

 

🛒 Ingredients

✅ For the Hilsa Marinade:

  • 4 pieces of fresh Hilsa (Ilish) fish
  • ½ cup Mustard seeds (yellow & black)
  • 2 tbsp Poppy seeds (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 3 tbsp Mustard oil
  • 2 tbsp Fresh yogurt
  • 2-3 Green chilies (finely chopped or slit)
  • ½ tsp Turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (optional, balances the flavors)
  • 1 tbsp Coconut paste (optional, for a richer taste)

🍃 For Wrapping:

  • 4 large Banana leaves (cut into squares, lightly warmed to soften)
  • Cotton thread or toothpicks (for securing the wraps)

🍽️ Cooking Process

🔥 Step 1: Preparing the Mustard Paste

  1. Soak mustard seeds and poppy seeds in warm water for 15 minutes.
  2. Blend with 2 tbsp mustard oil, green chilies, and a little water until smooth.

🐟 Step 2: Marinating the Hilsa

  1. In a bowl, mix the mustard paste, yogurt, turmeric, salt, sugar, and coconut paste.
  2. Coat the Hilsa pieces generously in the mixture and let them marinate for 20-30 minutes.

🍃 Step 3: Preparing the Banana Leaves

  1. Gently heat the banana leaves over an open flame for a few seconds to soften them (prevents tearing).
  2. Place one marinated Hilsa piece in the center of each leaf.
  3. Drizzle some extra mustard oil on top.

🎁 Step 4: Wrapping & Securing

  1. Fold the banana leaves like a parcel and tie them securely with a thread or toothpicks.

🍲 Step 5: Steaming the Paturi

  1. There are two traditional steaming methods:
    • Using a Steamer: Steam the wrapped fish parcels for 15-20 minutes until cooked.
    • Using a Pan: Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan, place the wraps, cover, and cook on low flame for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway.

🍛 Step 6: Serving

  1. Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and serve the Ilish Macher Bhapa Paturi hot with steamed rice.

🌿 Serving Suggestions

💡 Pair with:

  • Steamed Gobindobhog Rice 🍚
  • A drizzle of extra mustard oil for enhanced flavor 🫒
  • A side of green chilies 🌶️ for spice lovers!

📌 Footnote & References

For more about Hilsa celebrations, visit Sundarban Hilsa Festival and explore the delightful Sundarban Ilish Utsav.

✨ Enjoy this traditional Bengali delicacy and celebrate the flavors of Sundarban! 🐟💛

Updated: March 17, 2025 — 7:15 am