Stuffed and Grilled Rainbow Trout Recipe

There was a restaurant I was able to enjoy once where everything on the menu was very hand on. It was an upscale version of my grandfather’s hunts in the woods to feed his family. From rabbit ravioli to lamb lasagna. I ordered the stuffed rainbow trout. It came out slit down the middle and absolutely loaded with a delicious rice filling. I enjoyed every bite, leaving little behind on my platter.

Later that night, a friend confessed his shock and awe at my choice, and then willingness to devour my meal. I was in shock. My meal was delicious. A fish has been caught and prepared just so I could savor it. Why would I waste such a gift? But he couldn’t handle that. One of the many who has never seen their food before it was in nugget for before them. And that to me is the sad part.

The fish still had a head. He was unwilling to see it. But, last time I checked, my food usually does have a head before it is butchered and sent off to the factory for packaging. Knowing your food and respecting it, nose to tail, is part of being a responsible carnivore. So, as I stuffed these two beautiful trout, I thought of my friend (and how he would really be horrified seeing the whole process from net to table), and created something that celebrated the gift that was in front of me.

And, then I ate every bit of it.