Chingri Bhapa

Chingri Bhapa

Chingri Bhapa

Prawns coated in a ground mustard and green chilli paste and steamed in their own moisture — a sharp, pungent Bengali preparation where the mustard heat is front and centre.

Cuisines

Bengali

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Build a full meal around Chingri Bhapa

Get a matched combo of sides and accents

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Total: 45 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Prawn 300 grams Prawn , fresh, cleaned and deveined
Coconut 1 cup Coconut , grated
Mustard Seed 3 tablespoons Mustard Seed
Poppy Seed 2 tablespoons Poppy Seed
mustard oil 4 tablespoons Mustard oil
Green Chili 2 pieces Green Chili , slit
turmeric powder 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
salt 1 teaspoon Salt
Banana Leaf Banana Leaf , or aluminum foil for wrapping

Instructions

  1. 1 Soak the mustard seeds and poppy seeds in water for 15 minutes.
  2. 2 Drain and grind the soaked seeds with green chilies into a smooth paste.
  3. 3 In a bowl, mix the ground paste with grated coconut, mustard oil, turmeric powder, and salt.
  4. 4 Add the cleaned prawns to the mixture and coat them well.
  5. 5 Cut banana leaves into large pieces and lightly wilt them over an open flame to make them pliable.
  6. 6 Place a portion of the prawn mixture onto each banana leaf piece and fold to make a secure parcel. Alternatively, use aluminum foil.
  7. 7 Steam the parcels in a steamer or a large pot with a lid for about 20 minutes.
  8. 8 Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

For an authentic taste, use fresh mustard oil and adjust the number of green chilies to your spice preference.