Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant shores of South India with this tantalizing Grilled Fish with Cilantro Chutney in Banana Leaves recipe. This traditional dish, known as Meen Pollichathu, offers an explosion of flavors and textures, where succulent fish fillets, aromatic herbs, and tangy chutneys come together in perfect harmony. Indulge in a feast for your senses as you uncover the secrets behind this beloved delicacy. Furthermore, explore variations of the recipe, including a vegetarian-friendly version with grilled vegetables, a spicy rendition with green chilies, and a unique take on the classic dish using salmon as the main ingredient. Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable adventure with this comprehensive guide to Grilled Fish with Cilantro Chutney in Banana Leaves and its delectable variations.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
RED SNAPPER GRILLED IN BANANA LEAVES
Banana leaves are perfect for wrapping a whole fish and insulating all of the aromatic flavors of this dish during grilling. A quick green sauce loaded with herbs, ginger and fresh green chilies provides a cool and spicy kick for the meaty grilled fish.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Make the sauce: Combine the cilantro, mint, chiles, ginger, scallion, coconut, sugar and 1 teaspoon salt in a blender and pulse to make a coarse paste. Add the coconut milk, lime juice, vegetable oil and fish sauce and blend to make a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Season with salt. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make the fish: Preheat a grill to medium high. Lay the banana leaves on a work surface, overlapping each about halfway, so the leaves are large enough to wrap around the fish, with the tail and head sticking out slightly. Lightly brush the banana leaves with vegetable oil. Cut three 24-inch pieces of kitchen twine and run under water to moisten (this will prevent the twine from burning on the grill).
- Make 2 or 3 slits crosswise on each side of the fish, cutting about 1/2 inch into the flesh. Season the fish inside and out with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt total. Stuff the lime and ginger slices, chiles, and cilantro and mint sprigs into the cavity of the fish. Set the fish at one short end of the banana leaves and roll it up, leaving the head and tail sticking out, then tie together in 3 places with the kitchen twine.
- Once the grill registers 425˚ F to 450˚ F, grill the fish until the banana leaves are charred, about 12 minutes. Flip and grill until the fish is cooked through, 12 to 14 more minutes. (Because the fish is wrapped, it is difficult to test for doneness. The juices will run clear from the head and gills when poked.) Let the fish rest 5 minutes, then untie and remove the banana leaves. Lift the flesh from the bones and serve with the cilantro-mint sauce.
GRILLED FISH SANDWICHES WITH CILANTRO CHUTNEY
Adding coconut to this green chutney makes it textured and spreadable for a sandwich. The coconut flavor is nutty and slightly sweet which perfectly balances out the spicy serrano and fresh cilantro.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Make the chutney: Combine 1 1/2 cups cilantro, the coconut, serrano, ginger, garlic, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor. Pulse until smooth, scraping down the bowl as necessary. Pulse in 1 to 2 more tablespoons water if the chutney is too thick.
- Preheat a grill to medium high. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 1 teaspoon curry powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Rub all over the halibut fillets. Lightly oil the grill with coconut oil. Grill the halibut until well-marked and the fish flakes easily with a fork, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate. Grill the rolls until charred in spots, 30 seconds to 1 minute per side.
- Mix the carrots and remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1/4 cup cilantro in a medium bowl. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Spread the cilantro chutney on the cut sides of the rolls. (If the chutney is dry, mix in 1 to 2 more teaspoons coconut oil.) Fill the rolls with the carrot mixture and halibut. Serve with sweet potato chips.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 550, Fat 29 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Cholesterol 102 milligrams, Sodium 920 milligrams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 33 grams, Sugar 6 grams
GRILLED FISH WITH CILANTRO CHUTNEY IN BANANA LEAVES
Categories Food Processor Fish Ginger Quick & Easy Backyard BBQ Dinner Coconut Mint Hot Pepper Summer Grill Grill/Barbecue Cilantro Gourmet Pescatarian Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Makes 6 (main course) servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Prepare grill.
- Make chutney:
- Finely chop ginger, garlic, chile, and coconut in a food processor. Add cilantro and mint and process until chopped. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt and blend chutney well.
- Prepare fish:
- Cut banana leaves into 6 sheets (12 by 10 inches each). Arrange in a stack with a short side nearest you.
- Season fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. Spread 1 slightly rounded tablespoon cilantro chutney on top of a fillet, then invert onto center of a banana leaf, arranging fillet crosswise. Spread another slightly rounded tablespoon of chutney on top of fish. Fold bottom edge of leaf over fish and fold in sides over fish, then fold package away from you, enclosing fish. Tie package (in both directions) with a 24-inch piece of kitchen string. Repeat with remaining fillets, chutney, and banana leaves.
- Grill fish, turning over once, until cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes (untie 1 package to check doneness). Cut string before serving and transfer packages to 6 plates. The banana leaves are inedible, but we think they make a nice presentation.
Tips:
- Choose firm-fleshed fish fillets or steaks that will hold up well on the grill, such as salmon, tuna, swordfish, or halibut.
- If you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- To make the cilantro chutney, use fresh cilantro leaves for the best flavor. If you don't have cilantro, you can substitute another fresh herb, such as parsley or mint.
- To make the banana leaf packets, use large, fresh banana leaves. If you can't find banana leaves, you can substitute parchment paper.
- When grilling the fish, cook it over medium heat to prevent it from drying out.
- Serve the grilled fish with the cilantro chutney and rice or your favorite side dish.
Conclusion:
Grilled fish in banana leaves is a delicious and healthy way to cook fish. The banana leaves help to keep the fish moist and flavorful, while the cilantro chutney adds a bright and tangy flavor. This dish is perfect for a summer cookout or a special occasion.
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