Paatra ni Machhi is a typical parsi dish which I first tasted sometime in 1992 at one of my Parsi friends wedding reception party.  I was mesmerised by the taste of this dish.  It was awesome.  I had always in mind to cook this wonderful Steamed Fish dish at home, which I did.  Paatra means Leaves and Machhi means Fish, therefore called Paatra ni Machhi. This dish is very healthy as it is not fried, very less oil in it and is Steamed with freshly prepared green masalas.  You should try this at home.

Ingredients:

  • Pomfret Fish – Two medium sized – fresh.  You can use any fish for this dish.  Ideally Pomfret Fish is used.  Clean the Pomfret fish from outside and inside (remove unwanted organs from inside).  Cut or Slice the fish from sides (as shown in the picture), just over the bones.  Do this on the other side also. 
  • Banana Leaves – fresh and cleaned with water.
  • Green Chillies – 2 medium sized.
  • Coriander leaves – One hand full or one cup.
  • Mint leaves – 10 to 12 leaves.
  • Curry leaves – 8 to 10 leaves.
  • Fresh Coconut – 2 X 2 inch size.
  • Raw Mango – 2 X 2 inch size.
  • Tumeric powder – 1 tsp.
  • Sugar – Half tsp.
  • Salt to taste.
  • Cummin seeds – 1 tsp.
  • Chat Masala powder – Half tsp.
  • Ginger – 1 inch.
  • Garlic – 6 cloves.
  • Garam Masala powder – Half tsp.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tsp.

Method:

  • Grind these ingredients into a fine paste – Green chillies, Coriander leaves, Mint leaves, Curry leaves, Coconut, Mango, Tumeric powder, Sugar, Salt, Cummin seeds, Chat masala, Ginger, Garlic, Garam masala powder and Extra Virgin Olive oil.  Add very little water if required.
  • Apply/Rub this green masala paste on top as well as from inside the fish.  Coat it well from all sides by this green masala.
  • Let it marinate for 45 minutes in the Fridge.
  • Take One foot by One foot size cleaned and fresh banana leaves.
  • Place the marinated fish on one side of banana leaves.
  • Wrap/Cover it with banana leaves from all sides and tie it with a thin thread.  Ensure that the fish is completely covered or wrapped properly by banana leaves so that the masalas don’t come out.
  • Take a steamer and heat it up.
  • Once the water inside the steamer is hot, gently place the marinated and wrapped fish on the steamer plate.
  • Cover the steamer and allow the fish to steam for 40 minutes on medium heat.  
  • Turn off the heat after 40 minutes and open the steamer lid.
  • Very gently remove the banana leaves with cooked fish inside and place it on a plate.
  • Cut the thread and open the banana leaves slowly.
  • Delicious Paatra ni Machhi is ready to eat.
  • Happy Eating.