monkfish wrapped in banana leaves with ginger, coriander, chilli, and coconut milk
rating:you can't go wrong with this combination of flavours, and you can use any white-fleshed fish. Banana leaves are very easy to buy from Asian markets, but failing banana leaves, you can use vine leaves, which you can get in the supermarkets. If you really can't get hold of any leaves then kitchen foil will do.
serves 4
4 large banana leaves or vine leaves
a little olive oil
2 fresh red chillis
2 sticks lemon grass, outer leaves removed, centers finely chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 good handfuls fresh coriander, roughly chopped
2 limes, juiced and zested
1 (400 milliliter) can coconut milk
2 tablespoons sesame seed oil
a drizzle fish sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 heaped tablespoons finely sliced fresh ginger
4 (6 to 8 ounce /170 to 225 gram) pieces monkfish (can use other more abundant white-fleshed fish)
4 rosemary sprigs or bay leaf sticks, to secure
preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C/gas 8).
to make the banana leaves more pliable, hold for a few seconds over a gas flame. Leaving aside the fish and herb sticks, pound the rest of the ingredients in a pestle and mortar to make a thick paste and spoon a little onto each banana leaf. Place the fish on top and then spoon the rest of the paste on the top. Bringing the sides in and spiking it with a rosemary sprig or bay leaf stick to secure it. This will look lovely and it is natural, but I have been known to use a clothes peg or string to hold it all together. It won't be a perfect seal but this allows it to breath and steam, letting the flavours infuse, so gutsy and tasty. Put the parcels on a tray and bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
serve the individual parcels on plates at the table and let your guests dissect them. When opened, the fragrant steam wafts up and smells fantastic. Serve with plain boiled rice to mop up the juices.
