Fish In Banana Leaf South Indian Recipes
South Indian cuisine boasts of an array of flavors and unique dishes. Among the many mouth-watering dishes, one dish that stands out is the 'Fish in Banana Leaf.' This dish is a perfect blend of fragrant spices, tender fish, and the natural sweetness of banana leaf. It is a recipe that has been passed down for generations and remains a favorite in South Indian households. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish.
Ingredients You Will Need
The first step to making 'Fish in Banana Leaf' is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of the ingredients you will need:
- 4-6 fish fillets (any firm white fish will work)
- 2-3 banana leaves
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp pepper powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
Preparing the Fish
Before you start cooking, make sure your fish fillets are cleaned and free of any bones. Take a bowl and mix together the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, pepper powder, salt, and lemon juice. Coat the fish fillets with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Banana Leaves
While the fish is marinating, prepare the banana leaves. Banana leaves can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online. Wash the banana leaves thoroughly and wipe them dry. Cut them into rectangular pieces (around 8-10 inches). Pass them over an open flame for a few seconds to make them soft and pliable before using them for wrapping the fish.
Cooking the Fish
Heat coconut oil in a pan and add crushed garlic and grated ginger to it. Sauté for a few seconds and then add sliced onions and green chilies. Fry until the onions turn translucent. Add the marinated fish fillets to the pan and cook them on both sides for about 2-3 minutes each. Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top.
Wrapping the Fish in Banana Leaf
To wrap the fish, place a piece of banana leaf on a flat surface. Take a spoonful of the cooked fish and place it in the center of the leaf. Fold the leaf in half, covering the fish. Fold the edges of the leaf inwards to seal the packet. Repeat this for all the fish fillets.
Steaming the Fish
Place the banana leaf packets in a steamer or a large pot. Add enough water to the pot to create steam. Cover the pot or steamer and let the fish steam for about 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Once the fish is ready, remove it from the steamer and unwrap the banana leaf packet. 'Fish in Banana Leaf' is usually served with white rice, but you can also serve it with some steamed vegetables or a salad. Garnish the fish with some fresh coriander leaves and serve it hot.
Conclusion
'Fish in Banana Leaf' is a traditional South Indian dish that is both healthy and delicious. The fragrant spices and tender fish make it a favorite among seafood lovers. With this step-by-step guide, you can now prepare this mouth-watering dish in the comfort of your own home. So, go ahead and give it a try!
