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Tied-Up Trout

Trout is a popular fish in a landlocked state like Tennessee. It’s fresh, easy, and quick to cook on a grill or in the oven. The presentation of a whole fish at home conjures up the rustic feel of a riverbank campout, and the burnt string used to lash together the lemon-and-dill-stuffed fish creates a real dinner-under-the-stars mood. Complete the faux angler’s mess with Oven Potatoes (page 167) and a green salad with your own smoked paprika vinaigrette.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 4 servings

Ingredients

4 whole rainbow trout, dressed (about 1 pound each)
Olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
3 lemons, thinly sliced, plus 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh dill sprigs
Bottled smoke

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    HEAT the oven to 500°F.

    Step 2

    RINSE the trout and pat dry, inside and out. Rub the cavity and skin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

    Step 3

    LAY 3 or 4 lemon slices and a few dill sprigs in each fish cavity. To secure the lemon and dill, tie each fish three times, once in the middle and once at each end.

    Step 4

    PLACE the fish on a baking sheet and brush lightly with bottled smoke and olive oil.

    Step 5

    ROAST the fish for 10 to 15 minutes. To check for doneness, cut through the skin and into the meat on one fish. The white flesh should flake easily.

    Step 6

    CUT and remove the strings. Serve one fish per person with lemon wedges. The backbone is easy to lift out with a fork as you work through the fillets.

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