Machcha Patropoda also known as the “Fish wrapped in Banana Leaf” has been a staple of Orissa’s cuisine for decades. It has not only gotten national acclaim but has also managed to sway the taste buds of those abroad. It is a wonderful combination of the crisp and juicy fish with the delicate flavor of the banana leaf. It is a dish that takes a short time to prepare and can be enjoyed on a number of occasions.
Health benefits:
- All kinds of fish contain high quality protein, iodine, vitamins and several minerals.
- They also contain fat-soluble Vitamin D.
- These are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are optimal to increase the body’s immune system.
INGREDIENTS
Fish (Rohu) – 6 pic
Garlic cloves – 20
Green chili – 6
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp.
Lemon juice – 1/2 lemon
Mustard oil – 1 tbsp
Banana leaf
Salt to taste
Method:
Make Paste of spices (Mustard seeds 1 ½ tbsp, Cumin Seeds-1 tsp, Garlic cloves- 8, red chili 3 turmeric powder- 2 pinch little water).
Clean and wash the fish. Add lemon juice and salt. Mix well ,cover with lid and rest it for 10 minutes. Than add mustard paste, garlic, green chili, oil and turmeric powder . Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.Take a banana leaf and clean thoroughly with water. Heat it over medium flame, so that it does not break or crack while folding
Now pour little oil over the banana leaf and spread over it.Put the marinated fish over it and fold the leaf to house the mixture inside.Bind the leaves with threads of banana tree or normal threads. You should put at least three to four outer covering of banana leaf. I have added small amount of shrimp( optional).
You can cook in a preheated pressure cooker(without whistle) for 20 minutes. Open the pressure cooker and swap the sides so that it is evenly cooked and close the pressure cooker and cook for another 20 minutes. Cool down pressure cooker. You can cook the items in oven also.
Your macha patua is ready. Serve with hot rice and pakhala.
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