Indian fish kebabs

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1poundsMonk fish or other firm fish
1Yellow squash
1Green bell pepper
1Red bell pepper
Cherry tomatoes
Bay leaves
Cooked brown rice or
Pita bread
Lemon wedges
Sprigs of mint
4smallsGarlic cloves, minced
1teaspoonGround cumin seeds
½teaspoonSweet Hungarian paprika
teaspoonCayenne
1pinch[generous] saffron
¼cupChopped fresh cilantro
¼cupFresh lemon juice
¾cupOlive oil
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

CHERMOULLA

This is a very colorful and tasty arrangement of marinated and then skewered and grilled vegetables and fish. The marinade, called chermoulla, is a blend of fragrant seasonings, oil, and lemon juice.

In this version I've suggested my favorite vegetables for kebabs. You should choose your own favorites; some other good choices are eggplants, mushrooms, and onions. special equipment: skewers (if you are using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for ½ hr. and fill them out to the ends so the skewers won't burn) Combine the ingredients for the chermoulla. Cut the fish into 1-inch cubes. Similarily, cut the vegetables into 1-inch cubes. Place the fish and vegetables in the chermoulla and marinate, refrigerated, for 2 hours.

When you are ready to assemble the kebab, soften the bay leaves in boiling water for several minutes. Alternate the tomatoes, peppers, yellow squash, and fish on skewers. Place a bay leaf occasionally on the skewers next to the fish. Reserve the chermoulla.

Cover the broiler pan with foil and plkace the kebabs on it about an inch apart. Broil for 15 to 20 minutes, basting with the reserved chermoulla, and turning frequently to cook evenly.

Serve on rice or in pita bread and garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of mint. From Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant