Patra fish is the signature parsi dish that is served at Parsi wedding receptions. It is also known as “Patra ni Machhi” which means banana leaf fish. It is steamed and very flavorful and it is a great healthy high protein option.
This dish is best served piping hot with basmati rice or a healthy salad. Nothing else will deliver the heady flavor of a banana leaf. When you open your little parcel of joy the first unwrap of your banana leaf emanates a heady aromatic steam that will get your mouth watering before your first bite. Know that your very first bite will transport you back to years of history with this very ancient and special dish.
Did you know?
Parsis are a Zorastrian community within the Indian subcontinent. They have a presence in Mumbai, India. Parsi restaurants have number of very special delicacies and are particularly popular among the foodies of Mumbai.
Ingredients
- 6 Tilapia filets or you can use pompfret steaks
- 1 large banana leaf washed with water and pat dried with paper towel.
- 7 tablespoons of coconut powder or half fresh coconut grated
- A small bunch of mint or 4oz
- A small bunch of cilantro or 4 oz
- 2 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 green serrano pepper or more if you like it spicy
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
- Thread or twine to tie
Method
- Grind the coconut, pepper, cilantro, cumin seeds, mint, sugar and salt to taste.
- To it add lemon juice mix and take it out in a bowl
- Make 12 equal portions approximately
- Take the banana leaf and cut it into 6 pieces
- Apply oil on the smooth side of the leaf with a brush
- Take a plate place one filet and marinate it with the mixture on one side and place it on the banana leaf.
- Marinate the other side and fold the banana leaf and secure it with thread, twine or tooth picks
- Repeat it for the other 5 pieces
- Steam the fish in an insta pot or any other steamer for 15 minutes
- Remove and serve immediately
- See the smile on the faces of your family or guests
- You can also use foil if you do not have banana leaf
- Serve with salad
