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Psari Lemonato Rub

Serves about 1/2 cup Spice Mix vegan, Spice Mixes

Psari Lemonato Rub

Psari Lemonato Rub is the essence of a Greek fisherman's alchemy, a rustic blend shared along the coastal villages where the sea's bounty meets the grill. Originally crafted to enhance freshly caught fish, this aromatic dust of oregano, lemon, and garlic is a staple during summer evenings when the catch is at its peak and the air is thick with brine and anticipation.

The resulting flavor is a bright, zesty kiss of lemon balanced with the earthy warmth of oregano and the subtle heat of black pepper. As the rub melds with the fish, it creates a savory crust that speaks of the Aegean's sunlit shores. This dish is best enjoyed with a simple salad and a glass of ouzo, evoking the unpretentious joy of seaside dining.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbspdried oregano
  • 2 tbspgarlic powder
  • 1 tbsplemon zest — dried
  • 1 tspblack pepper
  • 2 tbspfine sea salt

Method

  1. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of dried oregano, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of fine sea salt. Mix thoroughly with a spoon to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. This blend will serve as your seasoning rub, known as the fisherman's dust.
  2. Prepare your whole fish by ensuring it is cleaned and scaled. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better. Drizzle a light layer of olive oil over the fish, which will help the seasoning stick and also promote a nice char on the grill.
  3. Generously scatter the seasoning mix over both sides of the fish, using your hands to press it gently into the skin. Make sure to cover all areas, including inside the cavity if the fish is gutted, to infuse the fish with flavor.
  4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the fish on the grill. The olive oil will help prevent sticking. Grill the fish until the skin is crisp and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, which indicates it is cooked through.
  5. Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top to enhance the flavors of the seasoning rub and add a bright, citrusy finish.
  6. Store any leftover seasoning mix in an airtight jar for future use. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and refresh the jar with new oregano when you notice the aroma has faded, ensuring the rub remains potent and flavorful.
Cover of Authentic Greek Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Greek Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Greek Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Greek volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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