Thursday, March 8, 2012

FISH AND COCONUT PILAF

We always had potatoes with our meals at home but on those rare occasions when my mom would make Chop Suey, she would boil up rice from a little red and white box in the pantry that seemed to last for years. The Chop Suey was so –so but I sure loved that rice. My newspaper-route boss took us to a Cantonese restaurant in New York City when I was twelve and I subsequently discovered a brand new world of food that included fried rice. In Louisiana they eat rice a lot and that was OK with me. After awhile I learned to fry the raw, dry rice in butter before adding water or stock and that was even better. Rice prepared this way is called pilaf or pulao.

There are endless variations of pilaf and this one with fish is one of my favourites. It has a magnificent flavour that you will enjoy. When I make this, I like to make plenty and it’s good for company.

Fish and Coconut Pilaf                                   serves 4-6

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds of firm, white fish filet, such as cod, cut into serving size pieces

2 tablespoons of plain white flour
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 tablespoon of curry powder
¼ teaspoon of red pepper, such as cayenne
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and black pepper

4 tablespoons of oil, divided
2 onions, chopped finely
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

2 cups of rice
3 or more cups of thin fish stock brought to the boil
½ Cup of shredded coconut, fresh or desiccated
1 tablespoon of lemon juice, taste, maybe a trifle more

A few coriander leaves and some lemon wedges for garnishment


Method

  • Put the fish pieces in a bowl.
  • Mix the flour and spices and salt and pepper
  • Put into fish bowl and carefully coat the fish
  • Put 2 tablespoons of oil in a Dutch oven and heat
  • When the oil is hot, add the fish and brown, stirring frequently
  • Remove the fish and set aside, covered

  • Add remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the Dutch oven
  • Add the onion and fry for two minutes
  • Add the ginger to onion and stir thoroughly
  • Add the rice and fry for one minute, stirring
  • Add the boiling stock just to cover the rice
  • Stir in the lemon juice and add the coconut
  • Put a lid on it and simmer for fifteen minutes

  • Check that rice is tender, add a little boiling liquid if not quite tender
  • Stir in the fish, recover and let fish re-heat in Dutch oven.

Serve this fragrant fish and coconut pilaf beauty garnished with the coriander leaves and lemon wedges.

Enjoy.

30 comments:

Eat To Live said...

The coconut pilaf sounds really good. I didn't know that if I fried the rice in butter first that it then was called pilaf. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Unknown said...

This sounds scrumptious!!! Great Lent recipe for us. I am always searching for great seafood recipes. Thanks for sharing. :)

Joanna said...

Oh that just sounds delicious--and easy to make as well.

Joanne said...

This looks delish! I am so hungry right now my stomach is grumbling!
Blessings, Joanne

Come At Me Bro said...

This is great!

Kalyan Panja said...

just mouthwatering...looks so easy to prepare and delicious!

anthony stemke said...

MY JOURNEY WITH CANDIDA: That's the pilaf technique and gives a slightly different texture and enriched flavour to the rice, plus the stock and whatever else you use.

AMEE: You are welcome. Fish this way is even enjoyed by those who don't ordinarily care for fish.

JOANNA: You're right on both counts.

JOANNE: Quick, make some. Blessings.

COME AT ME BRO: Thanks, you're right.


KALYAN P: It's all that. Thanks.

Whats Cookin Italian Style Cuisine said...

Really sounds quite tastey!

Susan Oloier said...

Rice is one thing everyone in our family can agree on--a rare thing with a somewhat fussy seven-year-old. I'm giving this one a try soon.

Teena said...

Ahh..this is ofcourse a delicious recipe!!!! I'm definitely gonna try this :)

Golden Eagle said...

Fish and coconut is a combination I'd never have thought of! Sounds like an interesting dish.

Geojour said...

Hot damn that looks like a keeper! I think I may hit this recipe up later in the week - thanks!

anthony stemke said...

PEGASUSLEGEND: Yes, very tasty.

SUSAN OLOIER: Thanks, you all will love it.

TEENA MARY: Good, enjoy it.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE: The flavour is interesting.

SUSANNE DRAZIC: You could certainly use any combination of fish and/or shellfish here.
We are seeing progress on the homeopathic regimen; I am happy to say.

GEOJOUR: You're welcome, enjoy.

Elpiniki said...

Sounds really good! I love the combination!

anthony stemke said...

ELPINIKI: It is delicious with a lovely flavour.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

we always loved rice pilaf but never served it this way! What a great idea, as always! You are such an addition to my blog enjoyment--I will be pinning this recipe from you! thank you!

jean

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yum! Sounds so delish. I think I might make it this week.

Spicy-Aroma said...

looks absolutely delicious..loved this recipe..will try this for sure..
Spicy-Aroma

anthony stemke said...

JEAN: You will love it. Thank You Jean.

LYNDA R YOUNG: Please do, it is delicious for sure.

POONAM BORKAR: Once you try it you will make it often.
Thanks for calling.

Dawn@Lighten Up! said...

Sounds awesome, and I had no idea that's what pilaf was! You'd have been proud of me yesterday, Anthony, I made roasted kale. It was fantastic!!

anthony stemke said...

DAWN UP @ LIGHTEN!: I am very proud of you for using kale, it is one of the healthiest yet neglected of vegetables, so good on 'ya.

Missed Periods said...

Sounds delicious. I love every single ingredient.

Unknown said...

wow...delicious fish pulao.....bookmarked :-)

http://onlyfishrecipes.blogspot.com/

LV said...

This looks and sounds absolutely AMAZING!

anthony stemke said...

MISSED PERIODS: Thank You, I admire your good taste.

SONALI PRADHAN: I'm glad you like it because you know fish. Thanks.

LV; You're right, it is amazingly delicious. Thank You.

Torviewtoronto said...

rice and fish combination looks wonderful deliciously done

Torviewtoronto said...

rice and fish combination looks wonderful deliciously done

anthony stemke said...

TORVIEWTORONTO: Thanks, it's a very tasty dish.

www.mahaslovelyhome.com said...

combo of rice n fish.......vl try this....
Maha

anthony stemke said...

MAHA: Yes, is very nice.

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