Black Bass with Coriander

   Originally created for the emperors and empresses of China to support their health and longevity pursuits, this dish was very popular with Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty who lived to 89 years of age a rarity in the 1700s and among Chinese royals. Secret ingredients make this bass dish a special treat! Coriander and other spices will boost your circulation and lower your cholesterol, as well as make your hair, nails, tendons and ligaments strong and flexible. 

   6 servings
CORIANDER SPICE MIX
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon finely ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground fennel seed
½ teaspoon ground star anise
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
1 (3-pound) skin-on black bass fillet, washed and patted dry
2 large banana leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
Cilantro sprigs, for garnish
Orange wedges, for garnish

   1. To make the spice mix, stir all of the spices together in a small bowl.
   2. Put the fish in a shallow dish, rub the spice mix evenly over the flesh and refrigerate for 1 hour.
   3. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on a work surface, stack the banana leaves and set them on the paper. Put the bass fillet on the center of the leaves and sprinkle the cilantro, garlic, ginger and salt over the fish. Drizzle the soy sauce over the fish. Wrap the fish tightly in the banana leaves, then wrap the packet tightly in the paper. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes.
   4. Unwrap the fish, discard the paper and set the packet on a serving platter. Open the banana leaves, exposing the fish and garnish with cilantro sprigs and orange wedges. Serve immediately.


   This coriander spice mix packs a punch of flavor and healthy benefits! Coriander seeds have possible antidiabetic, antiinflammatory and holesterol lowering properties and peppercorns promote intestinal health. Cinnamon has been linked to lowered blood sugar, helpful for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering cholesterol. Cloves and star anise improve digestive function, while fennel seeds boost production of gastric juices and soothe the nervous system. Turmeric boasts antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties. If you are on medication, speak with your physician to make sure these spices arent interfering with your medicine.