Paturi with Fish or Whatever

Here’s an old recipe of wrapping things with banana leaves and we called it Paturi- with today’s attitudinal gaps we will call it Paturi with Fish or Whatever.

I’m starting this post with a few notes about reviews.

Reviews which never happened actually because they infringed upon the concept of freedom. Freedom to give proposals, freedom to share goals, freedom to then run away after not looking at the goals and freedom to claim no access to details. Over 2 years we have struggled with reviews.

Here’s me dispensing unnecessary paragraphs for those who love to work with AI tools and claim they had worked on other parts of the equation as well.

Dismissed Paturi with Fish or Whatever

It was always challenging to give an authentic article about food, recipes, conversations with food, food and art, food and travel when none of that was happening with the people that I worked with.

So I decided- to let them enjoy that time out to experience these things on their own first. Perhaps then the authenticity would improve in the storytelling.

We have tied down various goalposts without any time given for them to actually touch base with these goalposts.

For example, I enjoyed Biryani in several places. Oohed and aahed -critiqued the merits and demerits of the various options from different restaurants or home kitchens.

So inspired was I that I decided to try making it at my own home at least once. However, it turned out to be a humongous project.

Biryani was lauded not Paturi with Fish or Whatever

First I had to find the right pots. Then I had to get the recipe that seemed to reflect the Biryani which I had loved growing up.

Then I had to get all the ingredients for that recipe.

I had to carefully prepare it with the help of another person in our household- a helper. Inspiration for this time-consuming exercise came from the promise of having a few family members and friends over.

Now, for the people with feeble memories the occasion is not even important. It was that feeling of having our home blessed with the presence of their joy, laughter and stories that abounded. Biryani was just an excuse perhaps for them and for me.

After a few attempts at making this Biryani at home, I realised, there was nothing to it.

The time, effort, the instruments, the people, the memories- everything was discarded with zero repercussions by a few more knowledgeable people.

Argument ensues for Biryani now

But having done it myself, let me share real experience-it was time consuming.

It was definitely based upon individual choices and preferences.

We had a lot of mess and leftovers to deal with. People enjoyed but some people also worked for it.

And most importantly, it couldn’t please everybody. Somebody or the other had tasted better Biryani.

Or perhaps they wished to have it peacefully from their favourite sources- outside the home or made at home. Perhaps, without dealing with social interactions with others. There may be multiple reasons for that- shall we debate about the possibilities there after a few more rounds of aborted reviews with kids who make a mockery of work?

So, we have different kinds of people everywhere. In fact, we have people who have had so much of Biryani all their lives, that today- it is a bit of a curse.

I am not one to question that- honestly. I reserve my respect for all those who made the effort to learn and to share.

We are steering towards some other traditional recipes which also deserve a place on this Planet Earth. Paturi for instance.

Paturi with Fish or Whatever is Disposed off

Why Paturi? Simply because, it is another dish which may not see the light of the day after a few years of AI driven campaigns.

Perhaps enabled with very diligent search engine optimization by children who love hamburgers or easy fried chicken. Yet, we have memories of it from our childhood, and it may be of use to a few who want to keep practicing.

Best thing about it is that it is actually very easy to make. Far easier than say, Biryani.

Another cool feature about it is that, we can make it with different kinds of ingredients.

Now from this pic – you can’t make out what is inside that little parcel. Is it fish, is it meat or chicken, is it a vegetable, is it paneer, is it tofu?

Children are primary- you are a Cow

Thankfully, we have a lot of creativity and imagination all around the world.

Locally preferred or locally sourced ingredients work very well for this simple recipe. I’ve made it with mocha or banana flower too once or twice. You can try it with Pumpkin too!

All I am sharing is the basic spice mix or paste that gives it a characteristic flavour and aroma. I made this with Katla (carp) fish incidentally. A very regular everyday river fish which is popular in Bengal and other parts of Eastern India.

I have had a lot of it made with Bhetki (seabass or barramundi) fillets for instance. Reason being, that fish is boneless and preferred by many who don’t like to pick out bones.

Easy for consumption when you are not eating with your hands, for example. But that’s not really a concern for many of us. And part of the pleasure of eating these traditional dishes is to enjoy them with a finger licking good kind of cleaning out the plate.

These dishes traditionally go better with plain white rice. Parboiled or basmati- both work.

But perhaps those wishing to avoid rice can have them on their own. But then, be careful with the seasoning. Lesser salt, lesser chilies and definitely a little less of mustard oil helps for such adaptations to the classic recipe.

Chew upon these Paturi with Fish or Whatever

Here’s my anecdote of a memory with Paturi. I forget which year- might be 2019-2020

I was making Paturi for a festive celebration at home. We couldn’t go to our hometown living far away and with no leaves which allowed us to take that time out. I tried in my own way to prepare a festive meal for myself, my husband and a few other friends who were like family.

While scouring around for the ingredients, I realised that my neighbour had banana leaves from her dad’s farm. She herself offered to get them for me. Silly me, jumped at it.

Later I realised, how little it actually mattered in the overall scheme of things. She came with the banana leaves, gave a few other little snippets of gossip. We shared some of our woes together as residents in the same apartment complex.

She had trouble with her ageing parent, some with her partner, some with neighbours, some with friends or colleagues. I had similar troubles. She loved to shop and cook. I loved it too. So we talked.

However, what ended up happening was, my husband shouted at me for talking to the neighbors and sharing too much of our personal life. After a few months or years, I was actually asked to leave while he definitely enjoyed his privacy with the help of others. Turns out he didn’t care for Paturi or for me (my simple conclusion).

His privacy included sharing meals with others. Sharing his stories with others. But mine was a criminal offence apparently, deserving several visits to therapists, counsellors, legal notices, etc.

Cut to the Present for Paturi with Fish or Whatever

Now, let’s continue with more tales around Paturi with Fish or Whatever.

At every step of my trying to get employment or build a network for business, we had many legalities thrown on our faces by well-meaning citizens of that country. Incidentally, I was advised to take care of things and adjust with community spirit.

Like recently, I had many incidents of men and women asking me to not share in a similar light of living with community spirit. (Check this out. )

We had several rounds of loud firecrackers, loud construction noise and loud music in our apartment complex and also other neighbouring apartments or slums. I was unwell with cough, cold and mild fever.

When I tried to ask for lowering the volume after several incidents of assault- there were many aunties and uncles who advised me to let people enjoy.

In fact, after a point of torture, I was forced to go down to the focal point of “enjoyment” which turned out to be a DJ night in the middle of the apartment complex where people were dancing.

Plot development for Paturi with Fish or Whatever

When I asked to lower the music, I was told, the music would be switched off in 2 mins. I stood by and observed the next congame. The DJ said- “Last number, we have to switch this off.”

Then several of the people came and protested. I could count at least 5-6 adult men and women coming and shouting at me. Now, the DJ is emboldened and starts playing another number loudly.

At this point, I try to plug out the music, and the DJ grabs my wrist forcefully. Two women came and shoved me and I started shouting over the music.

A middle-aged man whose breath stank with alcohol- came next to shout at my face and dance around me looking clearly inebriated. (Check this out).

Now we have 2 gentlemen pretending to listen, while they actually were diverting me with more abusive nonsense while the DJ continued to play loud music.

Deafness affliction for many

They said- “You have to let this happen in the light of community enjoyment” and then asked me to join in as well. Another old lady who seemed to be part of the events team, which was helping with this group harassment, started pretending to advise me.

She was comparing this with firecrackers which she deemed to be more harmful and this to be a lesser evil. All she was doing was trying to get me out of there- so that these people could continue.

I tried to return and asked them again to lower or stop the music.

At this point the men became even more aggressive- one of them said I should leave this condominium and he would get the security guard now to throw me out of the apartment complex.

Continuing with this narrative, while I was shouting over the loud music -the abusive mansplaining and condescending men pretended to be helping the whole community to enjoy. I was asked to talk politely and softly to these noble men who threatened. (Check this out).

I ask people now- who can hear anybody over that music with men and women who are already drunk? Either with alcohol, money or abusive power. You take your pick.

Mob Justice Story for Paturi with Fish or Whatever

When I demonstrated how I was manhandled- with one of the gentlemen, the other quickly said- “This is manhandling.” Coolly, denying that he or anybody else had seen me being physically pushed, shoved and shouted at by him and his friends. (That’s apparently not manhandling!)

Let me assure you– this was a mixed group of adult men and women with several onlookers.

One of the women at this point came and shouted at me saying “Language“. All this while abusive language was being blasted through the music being played by the DJ and everyone dancing to it.

This is the kind of environment we have of mob justice- with adult men and women backing each other up in their false narratives in the so-called spirit of “community enjoyment”. (Check this out).

I would like to assert, that we have indeed regressed by leaps and bounds in 6 months. This is possible in a so called safe and secure apartment complex with high rental in a respectable neighborhood of this city. And if this is supported with supposedly educated people living, what is possible in other places?

Peace Manifesto for Diplomatic Services

Here’s my dedication to all people who helped each other and backed up abuse in the name of enjoyment and community spirit.

I count my husband and in laws also among them. So- I am not new to abuse.

Surely, we don’t need to protect any women anymore. Other men and women are there to ensure that their protection is stripped off under the masks of respectability. All this done in close circles which dole out mob justice.

Sorry, I wasn’t born to be your whore. Do the same with your wives, daughters or mothers next. Throw them out of the homes with the help of security guards or drunk men and women. How does that sound?

Perhaps all in the name of “community enjoyment”? Works, betas and betis?

Why was I pushed, shoved, threatened to be thrown out and shown that ugly word of eviction repeatedly? Here’s the story for others to discuss more. It’s amusing and entertaining when it doesn’t happen with YOU.

I feel so old now. 🙂

Hypothesis: I’m a middle-aged woman without a child on my lap or an excuse to share about my handicap in developing empathy in a world full of parental support and guidance for abusive men or women. Sounds familiar? Let’s discuss more…. (Check this out).

Paturi with Fish or Whatever- Domestic Abuse

Even pet parents have valid excuses it seems to be able to dispense with theories about fairness or justice. Why am I without any child or a partner by my side?

Excuse me while I help others with this storytelling technique to get more benefits from organizations in the name of child support, school fees, more income, more healthcare, more gifts etc.

No- I’m not rich or entitled. I don’t even have an Ivy League degree or a fortune to my name.

Why on earth am I still alive then?

How am I still alive?

I should be passing off everything to others with bigger sob stories to entertain more people. My tale is not worthy of even a few vacuous tears from good Samaritans.

Here goes- my Ode to Over the Hill and Far Away. Do continue with your narratives about AID or AIDS whatever helps you to get a few more listeners. Do get certificates from others to while away your time in the company of more pretentious erudite people. Make a mockery of marriage, relationships, family life and everything else in between.

What I did was not important- I am just a body to be shoved into a cemetery or funeral pyre.

Here’s me- trying my best to live a simple life in the company of others who live and work with friends or family. This is not a website for con games or matrimonial ads or business done by duping others.

This is just for sharing food recipes, conversations around food, food & art or food & travel. (Check this out).

No authority over anybody

Abuse and victims of abuse remain right here- but nobody cares.

I am getting to the recipe quickly in the interest of women and men who don’t have time for others. Especially those who make them feel bad about themselves.

This Chhat Pooja, Halloween, Birthday, Thanksgiving, Wedding Anniversary, Christmas or New Years Celebration- do get drunk and abuse more innocent victims of your powerplay.

Here’s me sending out my good wishes to bullies all over the world. You choose your weapons and then run away conveniently. Nobody will stop you. Saddens me to state that repeatedly.

May the FORCE be with you. With the blessings of your parents.

Our shop has a few products which we are trying to share as a collaborative effort with others. We do have some technical glitches for the time being.

This shop is not compatible with a few apps which are currently untested. And it is not compatible with AI generated mailers. (Check this out).

Simple Masala for Paturi with Fish or Whatever

All you need is Mustard seeds, Poppy Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Coconut, Salt, Turmeric and Green Chillies. Very easily available. I recommend mustard oil with it for it’s characteristic pungent smoky aroma and flavour but again- you can use other white oil if you find it overpowering.

I have lost my voice in the din of others with louder authentic claims to freedom. This site was meant for people to express their stories but unfortunately, it turned out to be an exercise in ego battles. That was not the intent at all.

Do try this at your own pace. We have given a richer version of a similar recipe earlier for those who preferred eye candy to food recipes.

The recipe is given with Katla Fish as an illustrative example. Choose your own key ingredient.

We worked hard for it to be developed with minimal support and maximum duping by youngsters who made money and partied away for 2 years while using and abusing us. (Check this out).

Footnote

Halloween Greetings with a Funeral

(Doesn’t look like fish, exactly– Harsh Self Review)

Thank you for letting me know

That I was free to go

Helped me understand there was nobody

Who would take a Stand

I have limped and walked my way

From one refuge to another

To protect the reputation of those

Who were free to Abuse and Misuse

Their own version of Freedom.

These children have grown

But my place or stature hasn’t grown

The more I tried, the more I cried

Everyone just wanted to help me

Jump from the frying pan to the fire

Here’s my ode to Paturi which wasn’t Baked

Used an earthen pot- it was fried.

Everybody and their parents did their best

To put me down and pull down the rest

Here’s me sharing my review- they only wanted my money

Had no interest in any work whatsoever.

Delayed and gave multiple excuses

So that bills rack up and lesser is accomplished

With time, they made money,

I kept crying- nobody saw, nobody cared.

Only sent more goons to evict and abuse

Create more of a violent atmosphere of fear and hatred

So that we are made to give away everything

By hook or crook.

To such a crooked ruse adopted by cunning and extractive

Manipulative children and their parents/grandparents

I came for work, and I came in peace

I worked on this website and the other associated media

Not for your dancing/entertainment pleasure

You stole, cheated and lied

Barefaced- made living conditions miserable

To help your own wealth rise with very little given

And very little accomplished

Definitely this is a website for sharing

But if there is nobody to hear or care

Reading is merely words passed on

To people who sleep, yawn and go on

Their own ways to then dupe and cheat others

With multiple more creative ways.

Melting Lemon Drop 02.11. 2025