Machcha Patropoda (Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaf)
An Indian dish of whole fish marinated in a freshly ground masala, wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked over coals.
Ingredients
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | ginger (for the masala) |
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | garlic (for the masala) |
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | cumin seeds (for the masala) |
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | mustard seeds (for the masala) |
| 2–3 | whole dry red chillies (for the masala) | |
| 1 | whole fish | |
| 2 tsp | 10 ml | prepared masala |
| 1/4 tsp | 1.3 ml | salt |
| 1 tsp | 5 ml | green chillies, chopped |
| 1/4 tsp | 1.3 ml | turmeric |
| 7 | curry leaves | |
| — | coriander leaves, chopped | |
| 1 | onion, sliced | |
| 1 Tbsp | 15 ml | mustard oil |
Instructions
For the masala:
- Grind together some ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and whole red chillies.
For the main preparation:
- Clean the fish and cut into small pieces.
- Add the prepared masala along with salt, green chillies, turmeric, curry leaves, coriander leaves, onions, mustard oil and mix well. Leave this to marinate.
- Wrap the marinated fish in a banana leaf and tie it up with a thread.
- Place the sealed banana on coal for 15–20 minutes and serve hot.