Ilish Paturi in Pumpkin Leaves(কুমড়ো পাতায় ইলিশ পাতুড়ি)

 **Ilish Paturi in Pumpkin Leaves (কুমড়ো পাতায় ইলিশ পাতুরি)** is a traditional Bengali dish where hilsa fish is marinated and wrapped in pumpkin leaves before being steamed or pan-fried. Here’s the recipe translated into English:

### Ingredients:

- 4-6 pieces of **hilsa fish (ilish)**

- 4-6 fresh **pumpkin leaves**

- 4 tablespoons of **mustard paste** (yellow and black mustard seeds soaked and ground with green chili)

- 2-3 tablespoons of **mustard oil**

- 4-5 **green chilies** (slit)

- ½ teaspoon **turmeric powder**

- Salt to taste

### Steps:

1. **Prepare the mustard paste**:  

   Soak 2 tablespoons of yellow and black mustard seeds for about 15 minutes. Grind them into a smooth paste with 2 green chilies and a little water.

2. **Marinate the fish**:  

   In a bowl, mix the mustard paste, turmeric powder, salt, and 2 tablespoons of mustard oil. Coat the hilsa fish pieces well with this marinade and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

3. **Prepare the pumpkin leaves**:  

   Wash the pumpkin leaves and pat them dry. If the leaves are too large, you can cut them to size so they can easily wrap around the fish pieces.

4. **Wrap the fish**:  

   Place each marinated hilsa piece on a pumpkin leaf along with a slit green chili. Fold the leaf over the fish like a parcel, securing it with a toothpick or string if necessary.

5. **Steam or pan-fry**:  

   - **Steaming method**: Place the wrapped fish parcels in a steamer and steam them for about 20 minutes.  

   - **Pan-frying method**: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan. Place the fish parcels in the pan, cover, and cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes on each side until the fish is fully cooked.

6. **Serve**:  

   Once cooked, remove the parcels from the steamer or pan. Serve hot with steamed rice. The pumpkin leaves add a unique flavor to the dish.

Enjoy the traditional Bengali delicacy!