Fish Poleko Nepali Spicy Fish Grilled In Banana Leaf Recipes

FISH POLEKO (NEPALI SPICY FISH GRILLED IN BANANA LEAF)

Steps:

• 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.

CARROTS SAUTéED IN BAY LEAF

Steps:

• Add oil to large non stick skillet. Swirl to coat.
• Add Bay Leaves to infuse the oil.
• Add carrots and water.
• Partially cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes until carrots are almost tender
• Add salt and pepper to taste, increase heat to medium-high and cook for approximately 4 minutes, until carrots are tender and lightly browned.
• Stir frequently.
• These directions are so easy, they can be adjusted for time, amount of bay leaves, etc.
• I have also used with sage and rosemary. All variations are delicious!
• If you like a softer carrot, cook longer, shorter time for more crunch.

SPICY GRILLED FISH

Steps:

• Prepare the sambal by grinding chilies, shallots, belacan and lemongrass in a food processor. Make sure the sambal paste is well blended and smooth.
• Heat up a wok and add the oil. "Tumis" (stir-fry) the sambal paste until aromatic or when the oil separates from the sambal paste. Add the seasonings: salt, fish sauce and sugar and do a quick stirs, dish out and set aside.
• Soak the tamarind pulp with the water for 15 minutes and extract the juice. In a mortar and pestle or food processor, pound/blend the red chilies, bird's eye chilies and toasted belacan. Add tamarind juice, sugar, salt, and sliced shallots to the sambal. Stir well and set aside.
• Lay a few sheets of banana leaves and grease the surface of the banana leaves with some oil. Lay the fish fillet on top of the banana leaves and rub the turmeric powder on both sides of the fish. Add about 2 - 3 tablespoons of sambal on top of the fish. Spread the sambal evenly. Drizzle the lime juice on the fish.
• Place the fish on top of the grill (upper rack with indirect heat) and cover the grill. Wait for 8 minutes or so (depending on the heat) and flip the fish over to the other side.
• Add 2 - 3 more tablespoons of sambal on the other side of the fish. Cook for another 8 minutes or until the fish is cooked.
• Transfer the fish and the banana leaves to the lower rack and grill for a couple of minutes with direct heat, or when you smell the sweet aroma of burnt banana leaves.
• Transfer out and serve immediately with sambal belacan and sliced shallots condiment.