ARPITA JANA
Elish Macher Paturi
(Steamed Hilsa Fish)
In India, especially West Bengal, fish is not only the staple food, but almost the lifeline of people. We Bengalis love fish, eat it almost every day, and can come with 10,000 different preparations of fish that will leave you totally blown away. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is of Elish Macher Paturi, or simply Steamed Hilsa Fish. But it is not as simple as it sounds. It has a short preparation time but an aromatic and mouthwatering taste and is a must-have at almost every Bengali gathering.
Recipe:
● Paturi is ordinarily made with Hilsa or Bhetki fish. You can try your regional variation of fish too, if you would like!
● First cut the fish in small pieces and wash it properly and marinate with turmeric and salt.
● Then grind a few chilies, some sesame and “posto” if available, to a paste together. Also make a coconut paste.
● Marinate the fish in this paste properly, put some sesame oil, and put it on a banana leaf.
● Put whole red chilies on the fish and wrap the banana leaves. Tie securely with strings.
● Let it cook in the oven for 10 minutes and Lo and Behold, your “Paturi” is done!
Original Recipe in Bengali:
● পাতুরি সাধারণত ইলিশ আর ভেটকি মাছের হয়।
● আমি ইলিশ মাছ র করেছি।
● প্রথমে মাছ ধুয়ে নুন হলুদ মাখিয়ে রাখতে হবে।
● তার পর সরষে পসতো কাচা লঙ্কা এক সাথে বাটতে হবে। নারকেল ও বাটতে হবে।
● এর পর ঐ মসলা গুলো সব মাছের মধ্যে মাখাতে হবে আর শরিষার তেল ও দিতে হবে।
● গোটা কাচা লঙ্কা এরপর কলাপাতা উপর দিয়ে ওভেন এ 10 মিনিট রাখলে পাতুরি রেডী।
A mother of two, Arpita Jana has majored in the Bengali language in college. She is a businesswoman who loves trying out new recipes. Children finding happiness in the taste of her dishes is what gives her the most happiness.