This is a part of the series ……. For the Chef in u

Contributed by YUMMRAJ’s favourite Chef ANONYMOUS
Super easy to make & Super good to eat……………

U can try this with boneless fillets of fishes like betki or even with pieces of Hilsa (ilish) that have bones. U can try this recipe with prawns as well.

For all of u who stay in Coastal states of India, procuring banana leaf is easy. For the rest, there are markets in all cities that sell regional food – check those places out. In case u do not get it, use aluminum foil instead. The taste will almost be the same. The flavor of banana leaf will be missing.

Take 1 inch size cubes of 300 grams boneless betki / standard sized pieces of other fish like hilsa.

Grind 3 tablespoons of mustard with 4 green chillies to a smooth paste. Grate ¼ coconut & keep aside.

Mix together the mustard paste, grated coconut, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon mustard oil & salt to taste. Apply this paste to the fish pieces evenly & leave it to marinate for 1 hour.

Cut the banana leaves into approx. 15cm X 15 cm squares. In order to make the banana leaf foldable, hold it over direct flame for a while. Without this process the banana leaf will be brittle.

Add 2 chunks of marinated fish on each banana leaf.

Try to do this process together like in an assembly line.

While I mentioned this is super easy to make, let me warn u that u might get bored at the next stage. I recommend that u try this dish with a friend around with whom u can chat while cooking & also get some help………..

Fold the banana leaf as shown in the picture & tie it with a cotton thread. In case u r using aluminium foil, u do not need to tie – just seal the foil.

Take a flat tawa (griddle) & place. Heat one tablespoon of mustard oil till it smokes. Place the banana leaf parcels on the tawa, cover with a lid & slow cook on low fire for approx. 10 minutes / till the green leaf starts showing brown patches.

Turn the parcels post that & repeat the same process……………………. & ur mouthwatering paturi is ready

Enjoy this dish with steamed rice / just like that.

Note: U may also bake / steam the parcels instead of slow cooking in a tawa.