Tikin Xik Fish Food

TIKIN XIK SEA BASS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small food processor or mortar, grind achiote seeds with peppercorns, salt, oregano, chile piquin, garlic and juices to make a smooth paste. Unfold banana leaf. Cut off and reserve the tough center rib that runs along the bottom edge of each leaf with kitchen scissors.
• Cut ribs into 12- to 14-inch strips for tying packets. Gently cut leaves into eight 12-inch squares, being careful not to split them.
• Slowly run a banana-leaf square across flame of a gas burner, just enough to "melt" outer coating on leaf - it will become quite shiny. If you have an electric stove, hold leaf slightly above burner on medium-high setting.
• Place a filet of sea bass in center of square and spread achiote paste over top and bottom of the fish.
• Fold two sides of banana leaf over fish to enclose it and then fold in opposite sides to form a packet. Tie packet with a strip of banana-leaf rib and transfer to a large baking sheet.
• Assemble seven more packets in same manner and set aside to season for at least two hours.
• Bake fish packets in middle of oven 20 minutes and then transfer each to a large plate. Serve with pickled red onions.
• ONIONS: In a non-reactive bowl, mix all ingredients. Let onions marinate in refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using.

PESCADO TIKIN XIK

Steps:

• Puree all ingredients except fish, oil, and lemon in a blender until smooth. Place fish in a nonreactive container, and pour marinade over the fish; turn to coat evenly. Refrigerate, covered, 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush a baking sheet with oil. Remove fish, letting excess marinade drip off, and arrange in a single layer on sheet; brush with remaining oil. Bake until fish is firm and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side.

TIKIN XIC

Steps:

• Serving suggestions:
• Add a serving of mixed, fresh vegetables on the side of each plate.
• Marinate the fillet with achiote for about 5 minutes. Put the fillet over the banana leaf, add epazote, onion, green pepper and tomato. Wrap and put it on the grill. Cook each side for 4 minutes. Serve with vegetable on the side.