Mediterranean Diet Otah (Grilled Spicy Fish Paste)

Infused with bold spices and a Mediterranean twist, this healthy take on Otah (Grilled Spicy Fish Paste) is a flavor-packed delight that will transport your taste buds. Made with fresh mackerel fillets, fragrant lemongrass, and a vibrant mix of red bell pepper, chili flakes, and earthy turmeric, this recipe reimagines the traditional Asian dish through the lens of the Mediterranean diet. The paste is optionally wrapped in banana leaves for a smoky, aromatic finish on the grill or can be baked to perfection in the oven. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with zesty lemon wedges, this dish is not only rich in omega-3s but also free of processed ingredients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that’s perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings. Whether you're grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this Mediterranean Diet Otah is a wholesome, flavor-forward dish you'll want to make again and again.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh mackerel fillets
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 1 small Red onion
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves
• 2 stalks Lemongrass stalks
• 1 tablespoon Chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley
• 4 pieces Banana leaves (optional for wrapping)
• 1 medium Fresh lemon

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the fish. Remove any skin and bones from the mackerel fillets, then chop the fish into chunks.

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the red bell pepper, red onion, garlic cloves, lemongrass stalks (use only the tender white part), and blend until you have a smooth paste.

Step 3

Add the chopped fish chunks to the food processor along with chili flakes, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes a uniform paste. Do not over-process; a bit of texture should remain.

Step 4

Transfer the fish mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the extra virgin olive oil and chopped fresh parsley.

Step 5

Optional: Cut banana leaves into squares (about 30 cm x 30 cm). Briefly pass them over a flame to make them pliable.

Step 6

Place a portion of the fish paste onto each banana leaf square. Wrap the paste tightly in the banana leaf, securing it with toothpicks if necessary, to form a neat parcel.

Step 7

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8

Grill the wrapped fish parcels for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Step 9

While the fish is cooking, slice the lemon into wedges.

Step 10

Once cooked, unwrap the fish parcels and serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1415.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1560.2

Total Fat 100.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 350mg	0%
Sodium 2840.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 68.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.0g	0%
Total Sugars 12.2g
Protein 101.3g	0%

Vitamin D 3215IU	0%
Calcium 275.0mg	0%
Iron 24.4mg	0%
Potassium 3411.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.2%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 17.3%