Bengali cuisine
Traditional Recipe
Mochar Paturi
Intermediate
For 2 people

Enjoy the Fragrant Parcels of Tender Banana Blossoms


Mochar Paturi is a traditional Bengali delicacy featuring spiced and tender banana blossoms wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The gentle bitterness of the banana blossoms is beautifully balanced by the punchy mustard oil and hint of green chilli. Steaming the parcels allows the flavours to meld together into an aromatic, melt-in-the-mouth treat.

Ingredients

  • Sunrise Mustard Powder

    3 tbsp
  • Banana Flower (boiled)

    250 g
  • Green Chillies (slitted, 1 per paturi)

    as needed
  • Banana Leaf (cut into squares, greased and lightly toasted on flame)

    as needed
  • Sunrise Mustard Oil (for greasing and cooking)

    25 ml + 10 ml
  • Salt

    to taste
  • Thread (for tying paturi)

    as needed

Sunrise tip: When cleaning the banana blossoms, keep them submerged in a bowl of water with a little salt and turmeric added. This helps prevent browning and reduces the bitterness.

 

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Mustard Powder paste

Time: 15 minutes

In a bowl, add Sunrise Mustard powder and salt. Mix it with warm water.

Keep for 15 minutes before use.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Blossoms

Time: 10 minutes

Place the boiled banana florets in a bowl and pour the Sunrise Mustard Paste over the flowers.

Add some salt to taste, Sunrise Mustard oil and mix thoroughly so the banana blossoms are well coated.

 

Step 3: Wrap the Parcels

Time: 5 minutes

Take a greased and toasted banana leaf, place a heaped tablespoon of the marinated banana blossom mixture in the centre of each greased banana leaf square.

Add a green chilli on top of it. Now, fold the leaf in the sides to form a neat parcel. Tie it using a thread. Make 3-4 such parcels.

 

Step 4: Fry the Paturi

Time: 5 minutes

Heat the Sunrise Mustard oil in a small pan. Once smoking lightly, add the 4 paturi to the pan.

Fry them by covering the pan for 3 to 5 minutes.

 

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Time: 3 minutes

Uncover the pan and fry from both sides until a little brown and looks cooked.

Arrange the steamed banana leaf parcels on a serving plate. Carefully open each parcel slightly. Serve hot with steamed rice.

 

Goes Best With

  • Side Dish: Steamed rice

  • Accompaniment: Crispy fried potato wedges or begun bhaja (fried eggplant slices)