Patra ni Machi/Pomfret/Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves

Patra ni Machi/Patrani Pomfret is nothing but Pomfret /fish steamed in banana leaves.Green masala/Green chutney coated fish/pomfret is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed .So flavourful and delicious a treat for all seafood lovers. Patra ni Machhi is a famous Parsi dish in which any fish fillet is topped with a coconut chutney and then steamed in banana leaves .

Freshly ground green coconut chutney adds flavour and makes the fish so yummy.You could use any fish fillet too. In case you don't find banana leaves you may use butter paper or parchment paper to fold in the fish and steam .Steaming it in banana leaves adds up extra flavour though.

ingredients
2  pomfret /1/2 kg fish fillets
lemon juice as needed
salt to taste

1 cup grated coconut
5 to 6 green chillies
hand full of coriander leaves
1 tsp cumin seeds/jeera
1 inch ginger
5 to 6 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp sugar
salt

banana leaves

Method

• Clean the fish/pomfret ,if using whole pomfret make slits on the fish .
• Apply salt lemon juice and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and keep aside for 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile grind all the ingredients for the chutney using very little water.
• The chutney needs to be thick paste 
• Coat the fish with chutney on both sides
• Apply little oil on the banana leaf and place the fish ,you can use a thread/string or rubber band to secure the leaf.
• Heat water in the steaming pot place the fish on the steamer plate and steam for 25 min ,if using fillets steam for 15 to 18 minutes.
• Serve hot with curry rice or Dal rice . 

I had kept the fish applied with chutney aside for 30 min ,you may apply the chutney on both sides  like marinade and keep aside for 30 to 40 minutes and then steam .