Salt-Crusted Fish

Ingredients

• • 8 cups (1.6 kg) coarse salt
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 6 egg whites 

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 sprigs fresh dill 

  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 lemon slices
  • 1 whole fish (red snapper, striped bass or other fish), about 3 lb (1.5 kg) with its scales (see note)
  • Lemon juice, for serving
  • Olive oil, for serving