Barishali Chingri Pithe! :D

'Chingri Pithe' is a kind of prawn coconut cake, cooked in Banana leaves and finds its origin in Bangladesh. My mother has fond memories of my grandmother preparing it for her family, on Sundays. I still remember the strong smell of Prawn cakes overwhelming my senses, on rare days when mother found good Banana leaves at the bazaar. This dish has close associations with my childhood. My first attempt at it wasn't all that bad. Read ahead to know how one can cook the 'Chingri Pithe' in the microwave, as well. :) 

Ingredients

1) 200-250 gm/ 1 cup peeled prawns
2) 1 1/2 grated Coconut
3) 1 tbsp Sugar
4) 4-5 Green chilies
5) 2 tsp Salt
6) 2 tbsp Oil
7) 2 tsp Turmeric
8) Traditional recipe requires 2 big square sized Banana leaf pieces.
(Follow the recipe to know how to make it in the microwave) :)

Recipe 

1) Blend the grated coconut into a fine paste. Add all the other ingredients to this paste and blend well.
2) Grease one side of the banana leaves(The matte side) with oil. Grease a flat pan with some oil, as well.
3) Place the blended coconut prawn mixture on one of the banana leaves and flatten it out(Approx 1/4 inch on the side). Place the banana leaf on the flat pan and cook the prawn coconut mixture on medium heat. Cook it underneath a lid.
4) After 10-12 minutes remove the half done cake(along with the banana leaf) to another plate. Place your second banana leaf on top of the prawn cake followed by another plate. Turn it upside down to transfer it to the second banana leaf. Place it on the flat pan again and cook for another 10 minutes on medium flame.(Follow this step closely. The cake is extremely delicate and might fall apart, if not executed properly). Remove(use the same process to transfer to a serving space) and serve hot with lemon rind and lemon juice squeezed on top.

5) Alternate method(This process can not substitute for the beautiful banana leaf flavor that enters into a prawn cake prepared in the conventional way): Place the mixture on a grill proof plate/pan and flatten the mixture out(1/4 inch on the side). Place it on the high rack and cook for 6-8 mins at 450W+Grill(Micro+Grill function).

Leave a comment @Oishiibites

Use #oishiibites in the picture caption if you decide to try the recipe out and upload photographs. Enjoy!