8 servings

Ingredients:

2 Tbs. achiote or annatto seeds
1/4 tsp. black peppercorns
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. chile piquin
3 garlic cloves
juice of 1 orange
juice of 2 limes
8 sea bass filets about 6 oz. each
1 large banana leaf
pickled red onions, recipe follows

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
   
2. In a small food processor or mortar, grind achiote seeds with peppercorns, salt, oregano, chile piquin, garlic and juices to make a smooth paste.
   
3. Unfold banana leaf. Cut off and reserve the tough center rib that runs along the bottom edge of each leaf with kitchen scissors.
   
4. 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.
   
5. 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.
   
6. Place a filet of sea bass in center of square and spread achiote paste over top and bottom of the fish.
   
7. 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.
   
8. Assemble seven more packets in same manner and set aside to season for at least two hours.
   
9. Bake fish packets in middle of oven 20 minutes and then transfer each to a large plate. Serve with pickled red onions.

Pickled Red Onions

Yield: 2 cups

1 large purple onion, thinly sliced
5 black peppercorns
5 whole allspice
juice of 1 orange
juice of 2 limes

In a non-reactive bowl, mix all ingredients. Let onions marinate in refrigerator for at least 24 hours before using.

(Copyright 2004, Gina Pacheco All rights reserved)