Bhetki Paturi

Our member Ms. S. Lahiri shares a timeless Bengali classic.


Ingredients:
● Bhetk i fillet : 6 pcs
● Posto (poppy seeds) : 2 tbsp
● Mustard seeds (yellow) : 2 tsp
● Charmagaj : 1 tbsp
● Mustard oil : 4 tbsp
● Turmeric powder : 1 tbsp
● Banana leaf : 2 full leaves
● Salt to taste


Method:
For the marinade, dry grind the posto, and add charmagaj, yellow mustard seeds, and 1 tbsp water. Grind to a thick paste. Next, take the bhetki fillets and rub salt and turmeric on them. Coat each fillet well with the marinade. Sprinkle a little mustard oil. Take a banana leaf and cut it into 4-in. by 4-in. strips and rub mustard oil on the inner side. Place a fillet in one banana strip and wrap it well and bind it tightly with a thread. Place a flat-bottomed bowl in a wok, and fill up the wok with water, taking care the bowl is not submerged. Place each wrapped fish in the bowl. Cover it and steam for 5 mins. Then turn it and steam for 2 more minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy as is.