Description
A traditional Bengali leaf-wrapped dish made with tender jute leaves, mustard paste, coconut, and green chilies, steamed in banana leaves until soft, fragrant, and deeply flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 grams fresh jute leaves, washed and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds, ground into a smooth paste
- 2 tablespoons grated coconut
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard oil, for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 4 medium banana leaf pieces, lightly heated to soften
Instructions
- Set up a steamer or deep pan with a steaming rack and bring the water to a gentle simmer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped jute leaves, mustard paste, grated coconut, chopped green chilies, turmeric powder, 2 tablespoons mustard oil, and salt. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Lightly warm the banana leaf pieces over low heat for a few seconds so they become soft and flexible.
- Divide the jute leaf mixture into 4 equal portions. Place one portion in the center of each banana leaf piece, fold into secure parcels, and tie with kitchen twine or fasten with toothpicks.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 teaspoon mustard oil over the parcels if desired for extra aroma.
- Arrange the parcels in the steamer and cook for 15 minutes, until the filling is tender and aromatic.
- Let the parcels rest for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- Use tender jute leaves for the softest texture.
- Grind the mustard seeds into a smooth paste to avoid bitterness.
- Do not overfill the banana leaf parcels, or they may open during steaming.
- This dish tastes best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Bengali
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg