Otak-Otak (Steamed Spicy Fish in Banana Leaves)

Makes about 5


Ingredients:

450g Spanish mackerel, buy tail end

pound or grind:
1 stalk lemon grass
1 pc lengkuas, size of walnut
10 shallots
3 heaped tbsp grated coconut

salt to taste
3 heaped tbsp fish curry powder, mix with sufficient water to form a paste
5 rectangular pcs (25x15cm) banana leaves


Method:

• Clean fish, remove scales then fillet the fish. Using a spoon, scrape off meat and chop.
• Combine ground ingredients and salt with curry paste then add fish and mix well.
• Put 2 tbsp of mixture in centre of banana leaf and fold, bringing the two long edges towards the centre so that they overlap. Secure ends with toothpicks. Steam for about ½ hour.