Fish Packets

This dish was inspired by the bengali steamed fish recipe -"maach paturi". Maach Paturi is fish in mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. I made these with Tilapia, used different spices and grilled the packets.







Ingredients:
Tilapia fillets - 2 halves or 4 quarters, cut into bite size pieces
Lime - 1
Salt - to taste

Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Chili powder - 1/2 tsp
(Optional)Pepper powder - 1/4 tsp
Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp

Garlic-ginger paste - 1 tsp
Mint leaves - 7-8
Carom seeds (Ajwain) - 1/2 tsp
Yogurt - 2 tbsp
Gram flour (besan) - 1tbsp

Banana leaves - cut in squares, one per piece of fish
Mint leaves - 1 per piece of fish
Spring onion - cut into pieces - 2 per fish

Method:

Marination:-

• Apply salt and lime to the fish pieces.
• Add oil and the powders (turmeric, chili, coriander, pepper).
• Grind together gram flour, garlic-ginger, mint leaves, carrom seeds and yogurt.
• Add to the fish and coat well.

Making packets:-

• Lay out a piece of aluminium foil on a board/counter.
• Put the cut banana leaf over it.
• Keep the fish in the center. Pour about a spoonful of yogurt mixture on the fish and sprinkle a pinch of crushed ajwain.
• Put a mint leaf and 2 spring onion pieces on the fish.

• Fold the banana leaf and hold it down with one hand and then fold the aluminium foil to make a leak proof packet.

Cooking the packets: -

• Cook the packets on covered medium hot grill for 2-3 minutes on each side.
• Allow to rest for 3 mins and serve.

Notes:

• Tilapia cooks very quickly. Try one packet first and then cook the rest accordingly.
• You may add the spices of your choice - no need to add all the spices/powders. Salt, lime and oil are the main ingredients.
• Instead of grilling, you can cook the packets in an oven - 350 degs for 15 to 20 mins.
• You can also lay the banana leaf in a microwave safe dish and put fish and the marinate over it. Cover with a cling film and microwave for 2-4 mins.
• Traditionally, the fish packets (without the foil) are tied with thread and steamed.
• Try different fish and spices/powders. The cooking time will differ based on the fish.

I served these packets with a raita on the side.

Ingredients:
Yogurt - 1 cup
Coriander powder - pinch
Cumin powder - pinch
Coriander chutney - 1 tsp OR coriander leaves and green chili paste
Mint leaves - few
Salt to taste
Chili powder - pinch
Ajwain - 1/4 tsp
Red onion - chopped lengthwise - 1/2 cup
Lime - 1/2

Method:

• Add salt to onion and squeeze lime over it.
• Mix all the other ingredients with a fort and pour over the onion.
• Make at least an hour before you serve.