🍃 Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Paturi – Hilsa Roe Wrapped and Steamed 🐟🔥

A Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Paturi is an aromatic and flavorful dish where Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) is marinated with mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection. This dish is a delight for seafood lovers, especially during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Roe Preparation:

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp

For the Mustard Marinade:

✔ Black Mustard Seeds Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Yellow Mustard Seeds Paste – 1 tbsp
✔ Coconut Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies (slit or paste) – 3-4
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp
✔ Curd (beaten) – 1 tbsp (optional, for extra creaminess)
✔ Banana Leaves – 2 large pieces (for wrapping)

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Preparing the Mustard Marinade

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix mustard seed paste, coconut paste, green chili paste, turmeric, salt, and curd (if using).
2️⃣ Add mustard oil and mix well to create a smooth, flavorful marinade.

2️⃣ Marinating the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Roe and pat it dry.
2️⃣ Coat the roe with the prepared mustard marinade and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

3️⃣ Wrapping in Banana Leaves

1️⃣ Heat banana leaves slightly over an open flame to make them flexible.
2️⃣ Cut the leaves into square pieces and place the marinated roe in the center of each.
3️⃣ Fold the leaves to wrap the roe completely and secure with cotton thread or toothpicks.

4️⃣ Steaming the Paturi

1️⃣ Place the wrapped roe inside a steamer or a traditional handi (covered vessel) with water.
2️⃣ Steam for 15-20 minutes on medium heat until the banana leaves turn soft and the aroma of mustard fills the air.
3️⃣ Alternatively, you can cook the paturi on a tawa (griddle) on low flame for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Unwrap the banana leaves to reveal the flavorful, aromatic roe.
✅ Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the delicate flavors of mustard and coconut. 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a must-try during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where food lovers can savor the finest Hilsa delicacies in the heart of the Sundarbans!

Bon Appétit! 🍴😋