Friday, September 21, 2012

Lemon fISH for Del Monte fESTA~


These ingredients have been used in the recipe...and majority of them are Del Monte Products!

Hey, foodies: Looking for an interesting recipe to feed your calorie-conscious tummy? Well, roll up your sleeves and sharpen your knives. This recipe will surely let you taste something UNAUTHENTIC- Italian, rolled in a potpourri of spices…

Thanks To Del Monte! Their huge range of products is the secret behind the success of this dish. Most of the ingredients are from their shelf. So, join me folks, to set your taste buds alive with the joys of the Del monte…J

The Fish served on a plump and tangy Milano base---is surely going to appease one and all! It’s healthy, because it doesn’t have much grease in it. I serve ‘sour-cream’ separately, so people who count calories can ignore the extra fat.

I enjoy fusion cuisine. Traditional cuisines when combined with other regional cuisines create exotic dishes. I experiment liberally with recipes, be it Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai…and the medley of herbs, condiments and spices have never deceived me. Though disasters are possible in fusion cooking. After all, fusion cuisine is mostly experimental. But, one has to be familiar with the ingredients to avoid clash of flavors and textures.

The following recipe is best on a weekend when you have time to sit back, relax and eat. 

Gathering ingredients to start Baking....

I have used Microwave Oven for making the Pasta layer. And have used Convection Oven to bake the Fish. You may choose your own method of cooking most suitable for you. But, if you own a convection oven, do give it a try. Apart from the speed with which you bring the dish to the table, you’ll discover how natural flavors remain intact even after running under the hot fan-forced air that it uses for browning.The magic of microwave over-simplifies entertaining, whether planned or impromptu…


Here’s an array of stuff you need to bring about ocean's goodness ..serves 4
A Glug of Olive Oil
2 Large Tomatoes
1 Large pod of Garlic
2 Cups of boiled Del Monte's Penne Pasta
A small bowl of chopped mushroom-(I prefer using the larger ones)
1 green Capsicum
1 Tbsp of Del Monte's chopped Prunes
A drizzle of Vinegar
A handful of chopped garlic leaves
Spices: Pasta Seasoning; Oregano; Chilli Flakes; a few torn fresh Basil leaves; 1 tsp of  Black Olive rings.
4 Tbsps of Del Monte's Tomato Ketchup
1/4 th cup of Fish Stock ( You may use Fish Cubes, but I recommend home-made stock. Even vegetarian stock tastes as good as the non-veg)
1/4 th cup of Dry Wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Step By Step Illustration..

1. Heat Olive oil for 30 seconds on HIGH. Stir in cloves of garlic (with skin) and cook uncovered for 1 minute. Cool, chop them and keep aside.
2. Take another bowl, place 1 tsp olive oil, add chopped mushrooms, and strips of capsicum; cook uncovered for 2 minutes on HIGH.
3. Make a small cut in the flesh of a tomato, then gently squash it in your hand and add it to the bowl of mushroom. Discard the skin.
4. Add chopped fried-garlic to the tomato bowl. Mix garlic leaves, Del Monte’s Tomato ketchup, vinegar, salt, Oregano, chili flakes, chopped prunes, olive rings. Add half a cup of fish stock, white wine (optional).
5. Add Del Monte's boiled Pasta. Cook for 5-8 minutes in a microwave on HIGH.
5. Keep it aside, and keep warm.

Fish will be served on this pasta base! The mixed aromas create magic...ummmm!
This recipe only works with Boneless Fish. I have used Basa, you may use river Sole, Bhetki, or Pomfret ...
 SUCCULENT RAW BASA, SPICES, HERBS FOR SEASONING AND BASTING ---FINALLY FISH IS DRESSED TO GO INSIDE THE OVEN.... 
Basa is a little name for the more formidable Pangasius bocourti. It comes from a huge family of catfish that proliferates in Vietnam, Thailand, China and Cambodia. They have gained popularity all over the world, and have gelled well with the Indian palate also because of its neutral flavor, texture and price. One can make delightful Fish cutlets, Fish fries, Chilli fish, Fish Koftas with them. This can be compared to cod and sole, only much cheaper….In fact, it tastes wonderful with very little seasoning, and dazzles on the table when served with multicolored vegetables and herbs…

Ingredients used for the DISH...

Ingredients:

I Basa fillet
Flour for dusting (mix little salt in flour)
Three glugs of Olive oil
Juice of two Lemons 
2 tbsps De Monte’s Tomato Ketchup 
A small bowl of Del Monte’s green olive
Grated rind of two lemons
1 tbsp of red chilli flakes
A big pod of garlic, roasted and unpeeled (refer pasta base recipe^^for the method)
Slice a big red chilli (not red bell pepper, the ones used for making pickles)

You have to keep basting the fish with the MIX^^ ...



 For Basting…
2 Tbsp of Olive oil
A handful of trimmed n minced garlic leaves, reserve some to garnish
Tear a few fresh basil leaves
Del Monte's Green olives
Salt and pepper
A drizzle of lemon juice


Method:

1. Make a MIX^^ with—olive oil, crushed olives, lemon rind, finely chopped red chilli, garlic leaves and basil leaves. Add salt n pepper to taste. Beat nicely and use this herbal MIX for basting! Fish has a tendency to dry out and break into small pieces. Keep this ‘mix’ handy while you are cooking. You must brush the fish with the mix when it is running in the carousel. It enhances flavor and keeps the fish moist.

2. Rub lemon juice, 1tsp of Olive oil, lots of chilli flakes, salt, pepper on both the sides of the fillet. Dust the fillet with salted flour. Leave it in the refrigerator for half an hour.
3. Preheat the convection oven to 180 degrees C.
4. Make small slits on one side of the fish, and cover the cavities with the whole burnt cloves of garlic, whole olives, and chopped garlic leaves n basil leaves, and lemon rinds.
5. Use a mortar and pestle to crush some burnt garlic and pile over the fish. Pour some MIX^^. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place on a carousel; cook for 15-20 minutes on CONVECTION LOW or until top is slightly browned and crispy.
7. Don't forget basting the fish with the MIX from time to time.


Make Sour Cream Sauce with half a cup of Sour cream, chopped garlic leaves, salt, ½ tsp of crushed garlic, a dash of salt. Add a little milk to get a dripping consistency. Serve it as an accompaniment…

 Baked Fish on a BED OF PASTA....It's HOT...!



This post is part of The Del Monte Blogger Recipe Carnival on IndiBlogger.
Visit Del Monte facebook page for more fun:  http://www.facebook.com/worldfoody
    And to know more on Del Monte products click here~



83 comments:

  1. Looks delicious and you have such cool china. All the very best for the contest. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks Saru...Being a proud homemaker, hunting out attractive china and artifacts came naturally..:D And the amount of junks I have accumulated is mind blowing :P
      BTW, have you participated in this contest..? I must have missed it; shall check out soon..thanks so much for your wishes...:)

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    2. No, I haven't. I am not very creative with cooking. And even I collect but most of my stuff is in India.

      All the best for the contest!

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    3. Saru, I did scan the Del Monte page for your link...Well, you are such a great author, so it really doesn't matter...:)
      I am sure, you also collect stuff like the crazy housewives...lol.. We multiply our possessions, then moving house becomes such a painful procedure. In 32 years of my married life, my husband had 14 transfers...and only God knows, what I have gone thru' every time! Good you didn't carry your stuff there!You're wise :))
      Thanks so much for coming back. I really appreciate :)) xoxo

      Delete
  2. Good luck to you on the contest. Looks like a yummy recipe :)

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    1. Thanks Meow...:) Good to see you after a long time...

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  3. looks so yummy! never heard the name of the fish..is it called as basa in the local market??..I am interested to taste it as u said its cheaper and tastier too..:D:D:D..good luck for the contest..

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    Replies
    1. Oh yes, Ranita!! Basa s are available in all the Spencer Super Markets!!You get both frozen and fresh ones...I like to use the frozen ones for baking...:)
      Thanks a lot for your wishes :)

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  4. Replies
    1. Thanks for your presence, Anupam :)Long time...

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  5. Yummy Yummy Yummy. Please send me the left over.

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    1. Arghh...the family lapped it up, SG!! LOL...But, next time, when you are in Kolkata, do pop in--You'll be served oven fresh Lemon Fish... :))))That's a promise!
      Thanks so much...

      Delete
  6. *SLURRRRPP!!*

    When am I invited to your place by the way?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Sudeshna!! I thought we were meeting during pujos...dare not disappoint me now :(((
      Thanks !!

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  7. That looks really delicious Panchali ! :D :D

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Rititka for being here and for your comments. It tastes good as well...do give it a shot!

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  8. So what if I can't eat it I can enjoy the making of it:) just the way one can enjoy F-1 racing even without having been in the driver's seat ever! Thank you Panchali, you dropped some tips for me which I'll use in my veggie cooking in some ways:)
    And all the best for the contest!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Amit for your encouragement. The Pasta part is vegetarian. You can enjoy having that part at least...it's different from the authentic pastas in many ways!

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  9. yummy yummy yummmy now my tummy is growling I need that :)


    Bikram's

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    Replies
    1. Bikram!!

      Good...good, come over to Kolkata--jaldi jaldi :D
      Thank you!!

      Delete
  10. wheeeeeww, thats some array of recepies on a Friday night! May be I can try out some this weekend!! :)

    All the best ji!

    Do stop by my blog!! I'd love your visits & comments!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kappu for that wonderful comment :) Do give it a shot...and let me know!!
      I read your blogs today..and I am planning to make that squid dish soon!!
      It is wonderful having you here always, my dear. Keep coming...xoxo

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  11. These pictures made my brain send out those signals and I had to go get some food. Honest!
    That sour cream sauce sounds irresistible!
    All the best for the contest, dear adventurous cook. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL...It doesnt matter how good or bad the photographs are...pictures of food make me hungry too!! haha...
      Do make that sour cream sauce, you make it a bit thicker and use it as a dip..!It's yummmy:))))
      My hope is that my adventures will inspire you ...thanks so much, Divya :)))

      Delete
  12. All the best to you Panchali.
    What i like best from your cuisine are the sweets like rosogulla,lavanglata,mishtidoi& luchi.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Indu...someday I'll write about Bangla cuisine. This time I had to include Del Monte Products, hence could not present traditional/ authentic Bangla dishes!
      I love mishti doi, luchi n labongo-lata!But, am not allowed...pssst
      Thanks!!

      Delete
  13. Wonderfully made with a lot of love :) Those collages along with the step by step instructions make the dish all the more tempting! Great presentation, love your assortment and the idea of fusion cuisine here! Wish you all the very best for the contest! :-)

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    Replies
    1. Awww..thank you, Arti for that wonderful comment :)))
      The fish is spicy, whereas, the Pasta base is light n tangy (without cheese n all), so they merge very well. Experimenting is fun,and a little twist here and there makes a dish unforgettable!! Like this one brings a little piece of Italy home :D
      Thanks for your wishes :)

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  14. Looks Yummmm!!!!!!!!!!!! I love fish ! will definitely try it sometime ...Your pics are making me drooool ! All the best for the contest !

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    1. TTT!! Thanks a bunch....! I am SO pleased you liked the DISH...:) Try baking it n let me know :)

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  15. awwww looks yummy ...wish some one could cook fr me :)))

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    1. OOOOh!!... how I laughed reading your comment, Alka...self help is the best help.nah? It's easy, sit in your dining room and mix the ingredients and shove it into the oven..simple! I am trying to inspire you---hehehee...

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  16. srry forgot to add the presentation makes the food tempting and you hav dun it :)))

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    Replies
    1. Never mind, Alka. See, I also forgot to thank you :(
      Thanks girl. Good to see you here...always :))))

      Delete
  17. What a lovely post. It really is picture perfect and you have made it easy for even a novice cook to follow along. This looks delicious. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Mary for your compliments! Yes, this is a simple recipe, and illustrations should make it more easy!
      Thanks for being here and would love to see you more on these pages :))

      Delete
  18. I had to see this just before dinner? Now I'm hungry.

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    1. Shovan, I am glad the pics managed to boost your appetite!:D Thanks!

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  19. Since I'm a veggie....I'll replace fish with something else and try this dish ;)....
    All the best for the contest :)

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    Replies
    1. Valli, The base is vegetarian in any case. Instead of fish, you may use a chunk of paneer to bake the dish. And instead of fish stock, use veg stock in pasta!
      Thank you. Glad you came by... :)))

      Delete
  20. Your presentation of the dish is beautiful! And it looks very tasty too! Good luck with the contest, am sure you'll be a top condender.

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lily Belle & Muffin!! Thanks for stopping by and for your delightful comment. You'll be hearing from Maugli very soon!:D
      (( hugs back))

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  21. Kalyan, After reading your comment, I went to your space to check your blogs!! And lo, it was full of interesting recipes...mind blowing!! Good to receive an encouraging comment from a food connoisseur !:))
    Now since we have met,I'd like to see you more on these pages...
    Thank you.

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  22. Your recipe is very interesting... I guess the paneer idea with this is something I would like to try out.

    BTW you have a beautiful kitchen out there Panchaliji straight out of home decor magazines :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me !! Thank you. You have really got into the spirit of baking...wonderful!! Great...go ahead and don't forget the feedback.
      Well, that's not my kitchen, dear. That's a corner of my dining room. To avoid grease n grime, I prefer to keep my microwave out of the kitchen.
      Happy to see you here... AND to see a comment... :))))

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  23. I am a vegetarian but loved your presentation!

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    Replies
    1. Welcome to my space, numerounity.
      Thanks for the visit and the appreciation... :))

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  24. Replies
    1. Welcome Kumar Suhas!
      Experience the heaven first hand...ask someone to make it for you :)
      It tastes as good as it looks :D
      Very pleased to have you here. Thank you:)

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  25. That is refreshing and very new. I will request better half to try this.

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    Replies
    1. Rajesh, I am glad you liked... thanks for the appreciation! Do pass it on to wifey...taste it and send me the feedback :)
      Thanks...

      Delete
  26. This is genuine cuisine and it looks very yummy..Vinegar will give it a taste of pickle I guess..Must be a great delicacy..All the best..I hope a cookery book will come from you very soon..

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    Replies
    1. Tomz, Good to have you here! Vinegar gives that extra tang, but it also softens the fish, and kills the bad odor. For baked dishes, I prefer using lemon juice n vinegar liberally. Yes, one day, if ever I think of getting published--I'll publish a Cook-book!:) And you'll get a free copy--that's a promise!hahaha...
      Thanks for the visit...

      Delete
  27. I could not stop drooling over the pictures..!
    And now, I am hungry. This looks like a five star dish.
    When, I come home, please make this along with garlic bread :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stop drooling and come home! I will serve it with Bruschetta...:)) Looks five start stuff??I am what I was always... still aspiring to be a cordon beau.:D

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  28. Mmmmm---fish i s my favourite dish and coming from you ---mmmmmmm all the best for the contest
    love
    rajni

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rajni. Come home sometime...! You'll never regret :D
      Thanks so much :))
      hugz

      Delete
  29. this was definitely different from the rest.. and thats coming from a confirmed sea-food lover. All the best.

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    Replies
    1. Welcome to my space, Roshan...
      What a compliment..! I am thrilled to my toes.!!
      Great to get a comment from a Fish connoisseur!:)
      A pleasure to see you gracing my space. Thank you.:))

      Delete
  30. Replies
    1. Thanks for the genuine feedback. Appreciate it very much. :))))
      Thanks a bunch, SM :)

      Delete
  31. Please e-mail me your address, I shall surely visit you, if you make such delicious dishes!

    www.anucreations.blogspot.in
    www.facebook.com/VolatileSpirits

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh great, send me your e-mail id ASAP....
      Thanks for stopping by..anupama :)

      Delete
  32. I am a vegetarian Panchali and so cannot try this out...But the pics do give me a feeling that it would be heaven for the non-veg taste buds...Good Luck!

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    1. Replace fish with paneer and try baking it, Jayashree! It tastes really good :) Thanks for your wishes...:)

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  33. The pictures ooze deliciousness!!

    Best wishes for the contest!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Deepak...Ask someone to bake it for you :D
      And self help is the best help, anyway..LOL..

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  34. That gathering the ingredients and the preparation is the exciting part.
    Always liked fish with lime :-)

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    1. Haddock !! Good to have you here. I am glad the recipe impressed you..try it, if you like lemon fish. It's simple and is really really aromatic :)

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  35. hmhm - I would love to try cooking this- If my mom allows me into the kitchen. :P

    And it looks quite relishing in the photos..

    My best wishes for the competition. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Muthu! I don't think your Mom would allow you to enter her zone. So, the best option is to pass on teh recipe to her...sit back and enjoy eating!
      Bon appétit,
      Thanks much:)

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  36. I am a vegetarian. But your recipe was interesting and captivating. So I read it and indeed it is a very different and unique recipe. Wonderful fusion style you have adopted and the detailing is awesome. You have narrated the cooking procedure also in great detail. And the dish looks yum. Lovely post and all the very best for the Blogger Recipe Carnival!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading it so well, Raj. That's precisely the reason why I wait for you to come and read my blogs. Thanks a lot!
      Try it with paneer in place of fish. It tastes as good...:)
      Thanks for your wishes,

      Delete
  37. slllurrrrpp...looks delecious,but am a very lazy cook...need to ask my daughter to make this for me:)thanks for sharing....

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    1. Oh, lazy...lazy poet!! Never mind, pass on the recipe to dotter:) If she's interested in cooking, she'll love you for this!!:))
      Thanks a lot!

      Delete
  38. wow.. i was so fascinated seeing the cookware collection u have. then went back to read the recipe.. :)i must admit u have a great collection..
    all the best for the contest.. :)

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    Replies
    1. Oh, dear ashreyamom...You're so much like me!! You saw only the cookwares..arghh, we are all like that!!...never mind!
      Thanks for your wishes,

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  39. May be I will skip the pasta and eat the fish..!! mMMmm

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    Replies
    1. Santhosh...Go ahead. The fish can be served without the pasta also. It's just that with pasta it becomes a meal by itself.
      Thanks so much for being here :) Hope you visit again...

      Delete

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