Ingredients
- Hilsha Elish fish – 4 pieces
- Salt – to taste
- 1 tablespoon Onion paste
- 2 tablespoon Mustard paste
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1/2 cup Sliced onions
- 6-7 Green chilies whole or slit
- 4 Bottle gourd leaves cleaned and washed
- 2 Banana leaves for lining and covering
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Fish
- Clean the Hilsha fish pieces thoroughly and place them in a bowl.
- Add the following ingredients:SaltOnion paste (1 tbsp)Mustard paste (2 tbsp)Cumin powder (1 tsp)Turmeric powder (1 tsp)Red chili powder (1 tsp)Sliced onions (½ cup)Green chilies (6–7)
- Mix all the ingredients well with the fish so that each piece is evenly coated.
- Let the fish marinate for at least 20–30 minutes
Step 2: Prepare the Wraps
- Take the washed bottle gourd leaves and pat them dry.
- Place one marinated Hilsha piece in the center of each leaf.
- Wrap each fish piece tightly with the leaf, folding it neatly to secure the marinade inside.
Step 3: Steam Cook the Fish
- Take a cooking pot and line the bottom with one banana leaf..
- Place the wrapped fish parcels on the banana leaf in a single layer.
- Cover the fish parcels with another banana leaf, ensuring all are fully enclosed.
- Put a lid on the pot.
- Note1. You can cook this on low flame for about 20–25 minutes, allowing the fish to steam in its own juices and the aroma of the leaves.2. No water is required in the pot if cooking over low heat, as the banana and bottle gourd leaves retain moisture. Alternatively, use a steamer.
Step 4: Serve
- Once cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently unwrap the bottle gourd leaves.
- Serve the delicate, flavorful Elish Paturi hot with plain steamed rice.
Notes
Tips:
- Use fresh mustard paste for authentic pungency.
- Bottle gourd leaves should be tender and green (not too mature).
- For extra aroma, lightly wilt the banana leaf over flame before using.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!