🍃 Ilish Macher Dim-er Paturi Bhapa – Steamed Hilsa Roe in Banana Leaf 🐟🔥

A traditional Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Paturi Bhapa is a flavorful dish where Hilsa Roe (Ilish Mach-er Dim) is marinated in mustard paste and steamed inside banana leaves. The infusion of mustard oil and banana leaf aroma makes it an irresistible treat, especially during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Roe Preparation:

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

For the Mustard Paste:

✔ Yellow Mustard Seeds – 2 tbsp
✔ Black Mustard Seeds – 1 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies – 4-5
✔ Garlic Cloves – 2 (optional)
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Water – As needed

For Paturi Bhapa:

✔ Banana Leaves – 2-3 large pieces
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp
✔ Slit Green Chilies – 3-4
✔ Grated Coconut – 2 tbsp (optional, for extra richness)
✔ Thread or toothpicks – To secure the leaf wraps

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Preparing the Mustard Paste

1️⃣ Soak yellow and black mustard seeds in water for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Blend with green chilies, garlic (if using), salt, and water to make a smooth paste.

2️⃣ Marinating the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Roe and pat it dry.
2️⃣ Mix it with mustard paste, turmeric, salt, mustard oil, and grated coconut.
3️⃣ Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.

3️⃣ Wrapping in Banana Leaves

1️⃣ Wash and cut banana leaves into square pieces.
2️⃣ Lightly heat the leaves over an open flame for a few seconds to make them pliable.
3️⃣ Place a portion of the marinated roe mixture onto a banana leaf.
4️⃣ Add a slit green chili and drizzle some extra mustard oil.
5️⃣ Fold the banana leaf into a tight parcel and secure it with thread or toothpicks.

4️⃣ Steaming the Paturi Bhapa

1️⃣ Place the wrapped parcels in a steamer or a covered pan with a little water.
2️⃣ Steam for 15-20 minutes on low heat until the roe is fully cooked and aromatic.
3️⃣ Carefully remove the parcels and let them rest for a minute before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice, breaking open the banana leaf parcel to release the heavenly aroma! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

Experience authentic Hilsa delicacies at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where you can enjoy fresh and traditional Hilsa preparations in the heart of the Sundarbans!

Enjoy this Bengali classic! 🍃🐟✨