Baked Cypress Trout

[Bicycleman]

Hello all.  It seems it has been a while since someone posted here, so:

This is a very old recipe from Bayou Country that my father shared with me long ago.

Prepare a pit fire in the back yard.
One large Cypress Trout (aka Choupique)
Several leaves from banana tree/plant
Seasoning to suit your tastes

Remove the intestines from the fish, but leave the skin, scales, and head attached.
Season the fish.
Wrap the fish in the banana leaves.
Place the wrapped fish in the pit and cover with coals.
After the fish has been in the coals for 1 1/2 hours, dig it up.
Unwrap the fish, throw it away, and EAT THE BANANA LEAVES.

Yes, this is a joke.  I know of no one who has ever eaten a Choupique.  I have caught some while fishing for Green Trout and I have shot some.  But I put my finger in one's mouth only once.  Big mistake! 

A little laugh is good for the heart.

Mike

[amb5500c]

I know folks that eat them. Its not uncommon. I guess it depends on where you're from.
Richard

[oi_cajun]

Richard is correct. I'm originally from Opelousas. We used to catch choupique and cook them on the bank under a shade tree. The trick to cooking choupique is to cook them when fresh. The flesh will turn mushy when refrigerated. Here's a link to a recipe. It's basically a courtbouillon. I personally wouldn't use the lemon juice as the recipe recommends. Can't beat squirrels in a brown gravy or gumbo.

http://www.tonychachere.com/recipesapp/ViewRecipe.asp?RecipeId=215&RecipeName=Jims%20Choupique%20%20Bayou%20Courtableau%20Style