Steamed Fish with Mahua and Mustard

Ingredients

  • 1 fillet seabass (or a white fish like red snapper)
  • Salt and 1 lemon
  • Banana leaves (for wrapping)
  • 2 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard seeds
  • 4 green chillies
  • ½ piece ginger (peeled)
  • A handful of mint leaves
  • A handful of coriander leaves
  • 1 shot glass mustard oil
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk (approx.)
  • 20 Mahua flowers (a handful)
  • PREP TIME

    15 minutes

  • cook TIME

    20-30 minutes

  • serves

    1-2 people

    STEPS:

    1. Soak the mustard seeds – Place both types of mustard seeds in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
    2. Make the marinade – In a blender, combine the soaked mustard seeds, green chillies, ginger, mint, coriander, mustard oil, coconut milk, and Mahua flowers. Blend into a smooth paste.
    3. Prepare the fish – Lightly salt the fillets and squeeze lemon juice over them. Coat the fish evenly with the mustard–Mahua marinade.
    4. Wrap in banana leaves – Wash and pat dry the banana leaves. Trim the centre stem so the leaf becomes flexible. Arrange the leaves and wrap the fish portions completely, folding the edges securely.
    5. Steam the fish – Place the wrapped fish in a steamer with the folded side down. Steam on high heat for 12–15 minutes.
    6. Check for doneness – Insert a knife into the centre of the fish. If it slides in easily, the fish is cooked.
    7. Serve and enjoy – Carefully unwrap the banana leaves and serve the fish hot.