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

Author: Ron Booker

Ron is a grandfather, health law attorney, and pitmaster for the BBQ Posse competition barbecue cook-off team. He loves rising his 2009 H-D Fatboy and anything related to barbecuing and grilling.