1 small onion, coarsely chopped
4 Tbs (60 ml) lemon juice
4 tsp (20 ml) olive oil
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cayenne pepper, or to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 lbs (700 g) firm fish steaks (such as halibut or swordfish)
cut 1 in (2.5 cm) thick
20 to 25 large bay leaves (laurel leaves in some parts of the world)
2 cups boiling water.
Skin and remove any bones from the fish and cut into 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
Combine with the onion, half the lemon juice, half the olive oil, the
cayenne, and the salt and pepper in a bowl. Toss to combine ingredients and
refrigerate for 4 hours. Meanwhile, pour the boiling water over the bay
leaves in a heat proof bowl and let them soak for 2 to 4 hours. Drain the
bay leaves and remove the fish from the marinade, discarding the marinade
and the onion. Thread the fish and bay leaves alternately on metal skewers,
pressing them together firmly. Combine the remaining lemon juice and olive
oil and brush it on the fish. Cook over hot coals or under the broiler for
8 to 10 minutes (depending on the heat), turning occasionally, until the
fish is opaque and firm to the touch. Serves 4.