Ilish Macher Paturi (Hilsha fish wrapped in bottle gourd leaf)

Ilish (Hilsha)....an icon of Bengali Cuisine. Its the one of the most popular fish in West Bengal, Bangladesh as well as in Orissa. But I believe what ever the origin or nationality, one who have had Ilish for once, he/she must fall in love with this fish.

I would like to share some important information regarding this magic fish. Ilish is rich in essential fatty acids & it helps to reduce the cholesterol & insulin level. 

Now lets start to prepare one of the most delicious Ilish recipe..the Ilish Paturi..Its called Paturi because the fish is being wrapped by a green leaf, specially banana or bottle gourd leaf. I prefer bottle gourd leaf. But you may choose whatever would be convenient to you.

Ingredients :-
Ilish Fish - 2 medium pieces
Mustard Paste (Yellow mustard seed)  - 1 1/2 table spoon
Poppy Seed Paste - 1 1/2 table spoon
Green Chili Paste 1/2 teaspoon
Whole Green Chili - 2-3 nos
Mustard Oil - 2 table spoon
Salt - As per taste
Turmeric Powder - A little Pinch
4 medium sized bottle gourd leaf
Some thread to wrap the fish

Method :-

• Wash the fish properly
• Marinate the fish with mustard paste, poppy seed paste, turmeric powder, salt, chili paste & mustard oil together for 30-40 minutes.
• In between wash the leafs properly.
• Now place one piece of fish in the center of the leaf & wrap it. At this point you can add one whole green chili on the fish & wrap it. When you get the leaf close add the other leaf to wrap the fish again. Please note that bottle gourd leaf is very tender so wrap it with two leaves, otherwise it might not be prepared properly. Now bind the leaves by using the thread. You can find the thread in the picture.
• When you complete the wrapping process heat a non-stick tawa. Add little mustard oil & place the wrapped fish on it. Keep the flame lower. After few minutes turn the other side of the fish. When the color of the leaf turn quite blackish you may sure that your Ilish Paturi is ready.
• Let it little bit cool, unwrap the fish & remove the thread.
• Add some more mustard oil over the fish.This step is optional. But some people like the smell of the mustard oil over the Ilish fish. & I do it.
• & Last but not the least serve with your love & affection.

Grandma's Tips :- 

"My Grandma told that the Paturi gets more tasty if it is prepared by bottle gourd leaf. As bottle gourd leaf of edible so, you can also have the wrapping leaf along with your fish. & It is very tender in nature so the fish gets cooked very soon."

So I always prefer a Paturi by botltle gourd leaf or Lau Pata. Now enjoy the delicious Ilish Paturi with hot plain boiled rice..!