Patra ni machhi

Patra ni Machhi is a popular Parsi dish, traditionally served at weddings and other celebrations. The name Patra ni Machhi translates to "fish wrapped in leaf" in English, which describes the cooking method used in this dish.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient in Patra ni Machhi is fish, typically pomfret, although other types of fish can also be used. The fish is marinated in a green chutney made from coconut, coriander, mint, green chillies, and lime juice. The marinated fish is then wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed until cooked.

Cultural Significance

Patra ni Machhi is a significant dish in Parsi cuisine, which is a blend of Persian and Gujarati culinary traditions. Parsis are a religious community in India who are descendants of Persians who fled to India to escape religious persecution in the 7th century. Patra ni Machhi reflects the Parsi community's coastal living in India, as well as their Persian roots.

Variations

While the traditional Patra ni Machhi recipe uses pomfret, variations of the dish can be made using other types of fish like salmon or mackerel. Some modern interpretations of the dish also include the use of different types of leaves for wrapping, such as aluminium foil or parchment paper, although banana leaf remains the most traditional choice.

See Also

• Parsi cuisine
• Pomfret
• Banana leaf

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