Mourala Maacher Paturi ( Anchovies cooked in Banana Leaf - Bengali Style)

          This is a traditional Bengali Fish preparation, where it is cooked in a plantain leaf. In case of non-availability of plantain leaf, aluminium foil too can be used. It can either be baked or steamed.

• 250-300 gms, anchovies, cleaned
• 1 tbsp. mustard paste /kasundi paste (store bought)
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tbsp. mustard oil
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 plantain leaf / aluminium foil

          In a bowl, mix the fish along with all the above mentioned ingredients, except plantain leaf. If using plantain leaf, heat it on an open flame for a few seconds to make it pliable.

          Now place the fish mix in the plantain leaf and secure it tightly with a toothpick. Alternatively it can be cooked in an aluminium foil too.

          Cook on a tawa / griddle on low flame, covered for 10 minutes on both sides. Serve with hot steamed rice.