Fish Poleko (Nepali Spicy Fish Grilled in Banana Leaf)

Fish Poleko
(Nepali Spicy Fish Grilled in Banana Leaf)

Ingredients:

* 1 whole three-pounder trout (asala macha), cleaned
* Salt and Pepper
* Banana leaf (approx. 1ft X 2ft)
* Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Marinade:

* 1 teaspoon cumin powder
* 2 tablespoons cooking oil
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
* 5 fresh red chilies
* 1 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon timur (Szechwan pepper)
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon garlic paste
* 1 teaspoon ginger paste
* Salt and Pepper

Cooking Instructions:

In a blender combine all marinating ingredients into a smooth paste. Prepare a grill with glowing charcoal and wood chips. Trim and score the fish to form deep packets on all sides. Salt and pepper the fish first and smother with the marinating paste, inserting deep into the packets. Oil the banana leaf; gently heat up the banana leaf on the grill for a brief time, for it makes the banana leaf softer and workable. Immediately place the fish on the banana leaf and wrap in by ensuring a complete closure. Secure it with bamboo picks or a twain. Place the wrapped fish on grill and smoke-grill for 20-30 minutes, turning frequently. Once cooked, unwrap the banana leaf and put the fish on the bed of rice pilaf to serve, topped with tomato achar. Garnish with a fresh squeeze of lemon wedges.

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