| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | 281 |
| fat | 12g |
| saturates | 2g |
| carbs | 15g |
| sugars | 7g |
| fibre | 3g |
| protein | 28g |
| salt | 0.82g |
Why I Love Egyptian Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce
One of the dishes that I find myself constantly returning to is the Egyptian recipe called Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce. This meal, imbued with rich flavors from the Mediterranean, is a delightful departure from the familiar Tex-Mex palates I often work with, and its soulful spices resonate with deep memories of my culinary exploration.
The Aroma of Egypt
What truly sets the Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce apart is its intricate medley of spices. By browsing through the ingredients, you would notice the inclusion of items like cumin powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and hot chili peppers. These elements work together to evoke a rush of sensations that are as vibrant and complex as an Egyptian market. These tantalizing flavors are a tribute to the culinary virtuosity of Chef Farida Aly, an Egyptian chef whose style inspires me to continue being creative in the kitchen.
Adventures in Fusion
One element that I truly relish about this Egyptian fish recipe is the unique opportunity it offers to blend culinary traditions. Having grown up in Texas, my instinct is to place a modern spin on classic recipes. So here, instead of the traditional snapper or tilapia, you could experiment with varieties like catfish or bass that are prominent in Southern cooking.
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A Perfectly Balanced Dance
There is a beauty inherent in preparing the Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce that nourishes the soul as much as the body. The robust tomato base, infused with the aroma of garlic and onions, is punctuated by bell and chili peppers to lend the dish a flavorful punch. To balance the heat, the fresh parsley and coriander cast a herbaceous spell, and the citrus essence of lemon wedges rounds off the taste. The white fish nestled amidst this vibrant spread assimilates these flavors while retaining its soft, succulent texture.
The Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce is indeed a testament to ubiquitous human love for exploring and uniting diverse culinary cultures. Here’s to many more dishes that make our hearts, as well as our stomachs, full.
What You’ll Need
- 6 fillets of white fish (like snapper or tilapia)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 hot chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh coriander
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Method
Step One
Season the 6 fillets of white fish with salt and pepper to taste. Set these aside for now.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 finely chopped large onion, the chopped bell pepper and the chopped hot chili peppers. Cook these for roughly 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
Step Three
Add the can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pan. Mix these well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
Step Four
Add the seasoned fish fillets to the pan. Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
Step Five
Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the cooked dish with the chopped fresh parsley and coriander. Serve the fish with the spicy tomato sauce, accompanied by the lemon wedges for squeezing over the top of the fish. Adjust the spice levels to taste and enjoy your Fish with Spicy Tomato Sauce!
