Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Easy Simple Tilapia



Hubby has been requesting food that is 'different'. Haven't cooked in a while and the maid cooks with so much spices, so I understand. But what to make? I have been in such a slump that even if I cook anything, it tastes like I feel! He had bought a whole bunch of fish - Tilapia and Hilsa. Decided to cook the Tilapia. After a quick surf on the net for a simple recipe, came up with an easy pan fry dish with veggies and side sauces. He enjoyed it and it certainly was different from our regular menu especially because there was almost no spices at all! So, without writing anymore, here is the recipe along with the side dishes. There are quite a few, but hope you try them out :)

Pan Fried Tilapia

Tilapia: 1 med. size
Whole coriander seeds: 1 tsp.
Lime juice: 4 tsp.
Onion: 1 small thinly sliced
Garlic: 2 cloves, chopped
Green serrano chili: split in half
Little flour
Salt and black pepper to taste
Oil

1. Clean the fish and gut it. Score the skin with diagonal cuts to help the marination.

2. Marinate the fish in salt, pepper, coriander seeds (I pushed it through the slits) and lime juice. About 20-25 mins.

3. Pat dry. Cover fish lightly wth flour - will make it crispy and give a nice color.

4. Heat oil till smoky add the onion, garlic and chili to flavor the oil then place the fish. Should take about 5-6 mins to cook. About 2-3 mins on each side.

*Tip: The coriander seeds can be lightly dry roasted before adding to the fish, that way the natural oils and flavors come out or grind it after lightly dry roasting and then marinating the fish with it.

The fish has a very mild fresh flavor so it was tastier with these sides...

Garlicky Lime Butter

Lime zest: 1 med lime
Onion: thinly sliced, 1 tbsp.
Garlic: 4 cloves, pan roasted
Green chili: chopped
Butter (unsalted): 4-5 tbsp.

Bring butter to room temperature and mix all together. Spread on fish right off the stove. Its delicious!

Parmesan Sauce

Mayonnaise: 2-4 tbsp.
Parmesan cheese: 2-3 tsp.
Black pepper: to taste
Lime juice: 2-3 tsp.

Mix all together, taste along the way to suit your taste buds. I had to add lime juice little by little because the Parmesan was overpowering. Hubby loved this sauce and ate the fish and veggies with it! Its great for just a salad or plain dip for chips or carrots snacks.




Tomato Relish

Tomatoes: 2 med, chopped
Onion: 1/2 med, sliced/shopped
Fresh coriander leaves: 1 tsp. chopped
Green chili: 1 chopped
Lime juice: 3-4 tbsp.
Salt and Pepper to taste.

Just mix then all together and its a great side salad or relish!

Cauliflower & Peas

Cauliflower: 1 med. head
Peas: 1 cup
Onion: 1 med, chopped
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, chopped
Fenugreek: 1/2 tsp.
Oil
Water
Salt to taste

Steam the cauliflower and peas till cooked but still crunchy and firm. I add salt to the water while it steams. Heat a little oil, about 1-2tbsp., add the onion, garlic and fenugreek and sautée till onions transparent. Add the veggies and lightly toss, add salt if needed. Take of stove and serve!

All this with an accompaniment of Rice and Daal! It was light dinner but healthy and satisfying. Oh, there was a dessert too, thats coming soon....





3 comments:

~lisa said...

Mmmmmmm....my mouth is watering!

Anonymous said...

This is a real good one, esp. with the different things u have paired it with.

A New Yoker... said...

Thank you both! It did come out well and was a pleasant change from the usual heavy dinners.