Whole Branzino In Grape Leaves With Zucchini Olives And Mint Recipes

Steps:

• Heat grill to medium. Very thinly slice zucchini on the bias (preferably on a mandoline). Transfer to a medium bowl, and toss with lemon juice, olives, mint, 2 1/2 teaspoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Let stand while preparing fish.
• Score 3 slits in both sides of each fish using a sharp paring knife. Season with some pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt per side. Arrange 4 sets of 2 grape leaves side by side on a work surface. Place 1 fish on top of each set, and wrap to secure. Brush with remaining 2 teaspoons oil.
• Grill fish until cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. During last half of cooking, arrange lemon wedges around fish, and grill until caramelized and softened, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer fish and lemons to a serving plate. Serve wrapped fish with zucchini salad and grilled lemons.

Steps:

• For the Salmoriglio sauce: Whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil in a medium bowl. Add garlic, capers, herbs and lemon zest. The sauce should be loose in consistency with high-acid flavor. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• For the fish: Preheat the grill for cooking over high heat (around 450 to 500 degrees F).
• Bring fish to room temperature, 30 minutes, then wrap fish briefly in paper towels to dry out skin, which will help keep the fish from sticking to the grill.
• Stuff the inside cavity of the fish with herbs, garlic and lemon slices, and sprinkle the cavity with salt and pepper. Brush the outside of the fish with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush a fish grill basket with oil or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place fish in fish grill basket and secure shut. (If you don't have a fish grill basket, place the fish between 2 wire cooling racks and secure the racks together with wire.)
• Place basket on the hottest part of the grill. Cook until the eye turns white and skin is charred, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes.
• Place fish on a platter and dress with the Salmoriglio sauce.

Steps:

• Prepare grill.
• Pit and thinly slice olives. Cut zucchini diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices and in a bowl toss with oil and salt and pepper to taste.
• Grill zucchini, in batches if necessary, on a rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and just tender. (Alternatively, zucchini may be grilled in a hot well-seasoned heavy ridged grill pan over moderately high heat.) Transfer zucchini to bowl and toss with olives, mint, and lemon juice.