Parsi Patra ni Macchi Recipe

Parsi Patra ni Macchi Recipe

     Patra ni Macchi is an all-time favourite at Parsi occasions - may it be weddings, Navroze or any other festivity. The dish is made with Pomfret fish which is known for its soft, flaky white flesh and its ability to absorb the flavours of the marinade or spices it gets cooked in. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 palm-sized Pomfret Fish
• 2 Coconuts, grated
• 1 cup Mint
• 3 Banana Leaves, sliced in half 
• 7-8 Green Chillies
• 2 tbsp Cumin Seeds
• 8 Garlic Pods
• A handful Coriander Leaves
• 1 tsp Jaggery 
• Juice of 2 Lemons
• Salt as required

METHOD:

1. Marinate the fish with salt and keep aside for an hour.

2. Add coconut, coriander leaves, mint, green chillies, cumin seeds, garlic, lemon juice, salt as required and jaggery to a mixer grind. Grind to make a fine and tangy chutney.

3. Wash and dry a fresh banana leaf. To make the banana leaf pliable, gently warm it on a low flame. Cut the hard central main vein and use only the green leaf.

4. Add a dollop of this chutney in the middle and place a piece of fish on it. Smear another spoon of the chutney on top of the fish as well (make sure the fish is completely covered with the chutney).

5. Gently fold the banana leaf without tearing it and secure it with string.

6. Place these packets in a gas or electric steamer and let the fish cook for 10-12 minutes.

7. Serve hot with chapatis.

                                                                                                                                          EnjoyFood!