Baked Fish Wrapped in Banana Leaves

Kena Na Patta Ma Bhoojeli Machhli (baked fish wrapped in banana leaves). Foil may be used as a substitute for banana leaves. This recipe is from Fire and Spice by Joyce Westrip.

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Yields: 1 1/2 pounds fish

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs  firm  white fish fillets
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 6  garlic cloves
• 4  fresh green chilies, roughly chopped
• 1  cup coriander leaves, roughly chopped
• 2  ounces coconut, dried
• 3  tablespoons lime juice or 3  tablespoons lemon juice
• 1  tablespoon tamarind paste
• 2  tablespoons soft brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons cumin seeds, dry-roasted
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons ghee
•  banana leaves or   aluminum foil

Directions

1. Cut fish into large pieces, wash and pat dry. Salt and set aside.
2. Mix the garlic, chillies, coriander leaves, coconut, lime or lemon juice, tamarind, sugar, cumin and salt into a paste and smear over fish. Let marinate 1 hour.
3. Grease foil (if using) with ghee. Place a piece of fish on a banana leaf or foil piece and fold so fish is encased.
4. Coat an oven-safe dish with ghee and place wrapped fish pieces into the dish. Cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F.
5. Unwrap one piece of fish to check if it's cooked through and cook until finished.