Bangladeshi Regional Food Recipe : Morich Khola in Noakhali
A traditional Bangladeshi Fish Paturi recipe made with fresh fish, mustard oil, onions, garlic, aromatic spices, and banana leaves. This healthy, protein-rich dish is cooked until tender and bursting with authentic flavors, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Most important thing of this dish is Banana Leaf.
Instructions
Prepare the Fish: Wash the fish thoroughly under clean running water. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and drain any excess water.
Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients - 1 cup onion (finely chopped), ½ cup garlic (finely chopped), 2–3 green chilies (crushed), 2 dried red chilies (crushed), 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon cumin paste
Mustard oil (as required), Salt to taste. Add the fish pieces to the bowl and gently mix everything together until each piece is evenly coated with the spices. Allow the fish to marinate for 15–20 minutes for the best flavor.
Wrap the Fish: Place a clean banana leaf on a flat surface. Arrange the marinated fish in the center of the leaf and fold it carefully into a secure parcel.
Secure the Parcel: Tie the banana leaf tightly using kitchen twine or strips of banana leaf. Make sure the parcel is well sealed so that none of the juices or flavors escape during cooking.
Cook: Place the wrapped banana leaf parcel on a preheated pan or grill over medium-low heat. Cook for approximately 15 minutes on one side, then carefully flip it over and cook for another 15 minutes on the other side, allowing the fish to cook thoroughly while absorbing the aroma of the banana leaf.
Serve: Once fully cooked, carefully untie and open the banana leaf parcel, taking care as hot steam may escape. Transfer the fish to a serving plate and enjoy it hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Chef Tips
- For an even richer aroma and authentic flavor, lightly toast the banana leaf over an open flame before wrapping the fish. This makes the leaf more flexible and enhances the natural smoky fragrance of the dish.
Recipe Notes
- These values are approximate estimates and can vary depending on:
- The type of fish used (e.g., Hilsa, Tilapia, Rohu, Salmon, etc.)
- The amount of mustard oil
- The quantity of onions and garlic
- The serving size
- The cooking method
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
You can use almost any firm fish, such as Hilsa (Ilish), Rohu (Rui), Katla, Tilapia, Pangasius, or Sea Bass. Fresh fish provides the best flavor and texture.
Can I cook this recipe without a banana leaf?
Yes. If banana leaves are unavailable, you can use aluminum foil or parchment paper. However, banana leaves add a unique aroma and authentic flavor that cannot be fully replicated.
How long should I marinate the fish?
For the best flavor, marinate the fish for 15–30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator will enhance the taste.
Can I bake the banana leaf parcel instead of pan-cooking it?
Yes. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the wrapped fish for 25–30 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked.
How do I know when the fish is cooked?
The fish is fully cooked when it becomes opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of green chilies and red chilies to suit your preferred spice level.
What should I serve with this dish?
This recipe pairs perfectly with Steamed white rice / Plain basmati rice / Lemon wedges / Fresh cucumber salad / Lentil soup (Dal) / Mixed vegetable curry.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes. You can marinate the fish and wrap it in banana leaves up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it refrigerated and cook it just before serving.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes. This dish is high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and contains healthy fats from mustard oil. It is a nutritious choice when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
How should I store leftovers?
Allow the fish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. You can freeze the uncooked marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I reheat the cooked fish?
Yes. Reheat it gently in a covered pan over low heat or in a microwave until thoroughly heated. Avoid overcooking, as this may dry out the fish.
Related Recipes
Bangladeshi Regional Food Recipe : Morich Khola in Noakhali

A traditional Bangladeshi Fish Paturi recipe made with fresh fish, mustard oil, onions, garlic, aromatic spices, and banana leaves. This healthy, protein-rich dish is cooked until tender and bursting with authentic flavors, making it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Ruhi Fish (We use that if you want you can use Hilsha Fish/Katla Fish/Mola Fisha or any other else though Noakhali people use Salty Hilsha Fish for cooking this dish), 1 Cup Onion,, 1/2 Cup of Garlic, Smashed Green Chili, Smashed Red Chili, 1 tea spoon Ginger pest, 1 tea spoon garlic pest, 1 tea spoon yellow powder, 1 tea spoon zira pest, Mastered Oil, Salt in taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fish: Wash the fish thoroughly under clean running water. Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and drain any excess water.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients - 1 cup onion (finely chopped), ½ cup garlic (finely chopped), 2–3 green chilies (crushed), 2 dried red chilies (crushed), 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon cumin paste
- Mustard oil (as required), Salt to taste. Add the fish pieces to the bowl and gently mix everything together until each piece is evenly coated with the spices. Allow the fish to marinate for 15–20 minutes for the best flavor.
- Wrap the Fish: Place a clean banana leaf on a flat surface. Arrange the marinated fish in the center of the leaf and fold it carefully into a secure parcel.
- Secure the Parcel: Tie the banana leaf tightly using kitchen twine or strips of banana leaf. Make sure the parcel is well sealed so that none of the juices or flavors escape during cooking.
- Cook: Place the wrapped banana leaf parcel on a preheated pan or grill over medium-low heat. Cook for approximately 15 minutes on one side, then carefully flip it over and cook for another 15 minutes on the other side, allowing the fish to cook thoroughly while absorbing the aroma of the banana leaf.
- Serve: Once fully cooked, carefully untie and open the banana leaf parcel, taking care as hot steam may escape. Transfer the fish to a serving plate and enjoy it hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dishes.
Chef Tips
- For an even richer aroma and authentic flavor, lightly toast the banana leaf over an open flame before wrapping the fish. This makes the leaf more flexible and enhances the natural smoky fragrance of the dish.
Recipe Notes
- These values are approximate estimates and can vary depending on:
- The type of fish used (e.g., Hilsa, Tilapia, Rohu, Salmon, etc.)
- The amount of mustard oil
- The quantity of onions and garlic
- The serving size
- The cooking method

