Friday, November 19, 2010

Mediterranean Style Cod Steamed in Banana Leaf




Delicious, impressive and easy to prepare!  This is a nice appetizer to share! 
     Recipe:  Soften a piece of banana leaf over the heat of a grill or griddle. 
     Place an 8-10 0unce cod filet in the center of the leaf. 
     Season with sea salt, black pepper and a pinch of herbs du Provence.
     Drizzle a little bit of virgin olive oil over the cod. 
     Fold the banana leaf so it completely seals in the fish.
     Place the banana leaf envelope on a steamer rack in a bamboo steamer or sauce pot. 
     Set a spoon on top of the banana leaf to keep it from opening up. 
     Cover the steam basket and steam the cod till it is fully cooked.  (About 10 minutes)
     Carefully place the banana leaf package on a plate. 
     Open the leaf up.
     Mediterranean Style Tomato Sauce Recipe:  Saute 2 cloves of chopped garlic with a generous splash of olive oil in a saute pan over medium high heat, till it becomes golden colored. 
     Add a handful of very thin sliced onion.
     Add a few capers. 
     Saute till the onions turn clear.
     Add 3 to 4 peeled, seeded and chopped fresh over ripened plum tomatoes. 
     Add sea salt and black pepper.
     Add a few torn Italian parsley leaves.
     Add a couple pinches of herbs du provence. 
     Add a splash of tomato puree. 
     Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
     Add a splash of dry white wine.
     Reduce the sauce quickly and finish the sauce with a splash of virgin olive oil.
     Smother the steamed cod with the sauce. 
     Garnish with a petite tomato rose. 
     Serve with sliced French bread.
     Delicious and so very healthy!  The banana leaf imparts no flavor, but it acts to seal the flavors of the cod in while being steamed.  The sauce is simply a dressed up French Mediterranean style tomato sauce with Provence herbs.
     This recipe is meant to be sat on the center of the table and shared.  Sliced French baguette bread and a serving spoon should accompany this appetizer course.  Each guest places the saucy cod on a slice of bread to eat with their fingers in a very informal style.  Spooning the fish and sauce on slices of French bread is a fun way to eat and share this saucy appetizer.  The sauce tastes excellent with steamed cod.  I suggest a dry Italian Chardonnay Pino Grigio wine with this healthy appetizer.  A red wine may be nice too.  This is an entertaining appetizer.  Yummy!  ...  Shawna

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