Grilled Fish in Fig or Grape Leaves

  • 1 whole Talipia (fresh-water bass) per person
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Sumac
  • Sprig of thyme
  • Sprig of hyssop or oregano (or 1/2 tsp. dried)
  • Fig or grape leaves (soak fig leaves in water for at least one hour). You can substitute aluminum foil.

Build a charcoal fire until ash white.

Brush the outside of each fish with olive oil. Season the fish with salt, black pepper, and sumac. Place a spring of thyme and a sprig of hyssop or oregano inside each fish (substitute dried spices if necessary). Wrap each fish in grape or fig leaves and secure with a toothpick or string.

Please fish wrapped in fig leaves or foil directly on the coals. Cook fish wrapped in fig leaves for 2-3 minutes on each side until the fish flakes with a knife and is white throughout. Cook fish wrapped in foil for 3-4 minutes.

Place fish wrapped in grape leaves on an oiled grill over the coals for 3-4 minutes on each side. Sprinkle fish with fresh lemon juice and enjoy.

Recipe adapted from:

Food at the Time of the Bible, Miriam Feinberg Vaosh.

The Food and Feasts of Jesus, Douglas Neel and Joel Pugh

Rib-Eye Steak Cooked in an Ice Chest

  • (2)6 2” Rib-eye steaks, prime
  • Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium shallot, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs thyme

Cook steaks in ice chest with water at 133 for 1 to 3 hours. (see Ice Chest Steak) Check water temperature every 30 minutes and add hot water as needed. Remove steaks from bags and pat dry.

Transfer steaks to a wire rack inside a large rimmed baking sheet and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Add shallot, garlic and thyme to a skillet and cook on high for 30 seconds. Pour over steaks. Transfer steaks to cutting board and serve. Transfer drippings from baking sheet to a grave bowl.

Enjoy!

Source: The Food Lab