East: calcutta curried fish with crisp vegeta

2 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Stephen Ceideburg
½teaspoonTo 3/4 ts cayenne pepper
3tablespoonsMustard oil or light olive oil
1poundsFresh salmon or red snapper filet
½cupBroccoli florets
¼cupRed bell pepper julienne
½cupPeeled, sliced carrots
¼cupPetite peas, fresh or frozen
5Whole cloves
1Two-inch piece cinnamon stick, broken
2Green cardamom pods
1Bay leaf
½cupFinely chopped onion
2teaspoonsGrated fresh ginger
1tablespoonDijon-style mustard
4tablespoonsUnflavored yogurt
½teaspoonSalt
2teaspoonsLemon juice
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Directions

This bountiful combination of fish, simmered with plenty of fresh vegetables, comes from the bay of Bengal. The whole spices used in the recipe are not meant to be eaten; remove them just before serving.

Combine cayenne and tablespoon of the oil and rub over fish. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, combine broccoli, bell pepper, carrots and peas in a steamer over boiling water. Steam until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and bay leaf. Cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add onion and ginger; cook until onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Add fish in single layer. Stir in mustard. Cook for about 1 minute per side. Stir in yogurt and salt. Simmer over low heat stirring constantly, for 3 or 4 minutes.

Mix in steamed vegetables. Transfer fish into a heated serving platter. Spoon sauce and vegetables over. Sprinkle with lemon juice and mint leaves.

PER SERVING (4 servings): 260 calories 25 g protein, 7 g carbohydrate, 15 g fat (2 g saturated), 60 mg cholesterol, 428 mg sodium, 2 g fiber.

Laxmi Hiremath writing in the San Francisco Chronicle, 6/24/92.