Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf [Hor Mok Pla]

originally uploaded by P Family.

While these folded packets are a delight to serve in small numbers, for a larger group the leaves can be folded into a large boat shape and the mixture steamed in larger portions with an extended cooking time.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb (500 g) white fish fillets, cut into chunks
• 1 large banana leaf, cut into 4 pieces, each 8 X 8 inches
• 1 cup shredded lettuce, blanched
• 1 cup sliced zucchini/courgette, blanched
• 1 cup sweet basil leaves (bai horapa)
• 2 green jalapeno peppers (prik chee fa), sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro/coriander leaves (bai pak chee)
  

Sauce's Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) red curry paste (nam prik gaeng ped)
• 2 cup (16 fl oz/500 ml) coconut milk
• 4 egg yolks (reserve whites for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch/cornflour

Topping's Ingredients:

• 1 cup (8 fl oz/250 ml) coconut cream
• 4 eggs white
  

HOW TO:

1. Marinate the fish chunks with the combined sauce ingredients and place in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes.
2. Beat the topping ingredients together with a fork.
3. Wipe each piece of banana leaf with a damp cloth before use. Place a quarter of each of the blanched vegetables and of the fish in the center of each piece of banana leaf. Spoon on a quarter of the topping. Top with a scattering of basil leaves, pepper slices and cilantro leaves.
4. Bring the sides of each square together and fold in the ends. Secure with a small piece of wood or a toothpick.
5. Arrange the packets in a steamer and steam for 15 minutes or until done. Alternatively, the packets can be baked in the oven at 350 Fahrenheit (180 Celsius) for 20 minutes.