Pacific Northwest Lovo Feast

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) salmon fillets 2 pounds (900g) salmon fillets
• 1 pound (450g) Dungeness crab legs 1 pound (450g) Dungeness crab legs
• 1 pound (450g) wild mushrooms (such as chanterelles or morels) 1 pound (450g) wild mushrooms (such as chanterelles or morels)
• 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes 1 pound (450g) baby potatoes
• 1 pound (450g) carrots 1 pound (450g) carrots
• 1 large onion, sliced 1 large onion, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika 1 teaspoon (5ml) smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Banana leaves for wrapping Banana leaves for wrapping

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Place the salmon fillets in the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, wash and scrub the baby potatoes and carrots. Cut the potatoes in half and slice the carrots into thick rounds.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, wild mushrooms, sliced onion, and Dungeness crab legs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. 6.
   Lay out a large sheet of banana leaves on a flat surface. Place the marinated salmon fillets on top of the banana leaves.
7. 7.
   Arrange the seasoned vegetables and crab legs around the salmon.
8. 8.
   Wrap the entire mixture tightly in the banana leaves, creating a secure package.
9. 9.
   Dig a pit in your backyard or find a suitable outdoor location. Build a fire and place large rocks in the fire to heat them.
10. 10.
    Once the rocks are hot, carefully remove them from the fire using tongs and place them in the pit.
11. 11.
    Place the wrapped Lovo package on top of the hot rocks in the pit.
12. 12.
    Cover the package with more banana leaves and then with soil, ensuring no steam can escape.
13. 13.
    Allow the Lovo to cook for approximately 2-3 hours.
14. 14.
    Carefully uncover the pit and remove the Lovo package.
15. 15.
    Unwrap the banana leaves and transfer the cooked ingredients to a serving platter.
16. 16.
    Serve the Pacific Northwest Lovo Feast family-style and enjoy the smoky flavors and tender textures.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Salmon — Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Remove any pin bones before marinating.
• Dungeness crab — Ensure the crab legs are fully cooked before wrapping them in the banana leaves. Remove any shells or cartilage.
• Wild mushrooms — Clean the mushrooms thoroughly and trim any tough stems before adding them to the Lovo package.
• Banana leaves — If you can't find fresh banana leaves, you can use parchment paper as a substitute. However, the banana leaves add a unique flavor and aroma to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of smokiness, you can soak wood chips in water and place them on the hot rocks before adding the Lovo package.
• Experiment with different vegetables and seafood options based on seasonal availability.
• Serve the Lovo feast with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
• If you don't have access to an outdoor pit, you can adapt this recipe by using a slow cooker or oven. Wrap the ingredients in banana leaves or parchment paper and cook at a low temperature for several hours.
• Leftovers can be used to make delicious Lovo-inspired tacos or sandwiches.

Serving advice

Serve the Pacific Northwest Lovo Feast on a large platter, allowing everyone to help themselves. Provide extra banana leaves for an authentic presentation and encourage guests to savor the smoky aromas before indulging in the tender and flavorful feast.

Presentation advice

Unwrap the Lovo package at the table to create a sense of anticipation and showcase the vibrant colors and enticing aromas. Arrange the cooked ingredients on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a visually appealing presentation.