Fish- Tomato Rice

Indian cooking is generally considered to be unhealthy. But, how far is it true? Indian dishes, apart from grandma's additional spoon of pure homemade ghee on top of pathiris and parathas , could be a part of any type of healthy cuisine when planned it right, as it includes a wide variety of fresh vegetables, lentils and pulses in their daily meals. I think these days, more people are aware of reducing fat content in their diet and so are they trying to count the calories and make conscious efforts to increase their fiber intakes. Lowering the fat content of traditional recipes can reduce the calorie content in any dish.

This dish is a healthy alternative with minimal spices and oil. The spices  can completely turn your dish to delicious while a combination of several will effect its colour and texture. Its true that you can play with the spices to adjust to your taste and to please your tongue; but take care of the true flavor. Never allow the spices to cover up the real flavor of the dish.

Ingredients:
(Recipe: Khadeeja Hamza-my mom )

Basmati Rice 1 1/2 cups
Fish 4-5 pieces, King fish or any other used normally for biriyanis
Onion 1 large
Tomato 2 medium
Red chilli powder 1 tbsp or more
Garlic 3 cloves
Green chilly 3
Cinnamon stick 1small piece
Cloves 2
Oil enough to fry fish
Curry leaves (3-4 only)

Method:

Boil rice alongwith salt,cloves and cinnamon till it is half done and then drain it. Keep aside.

Marinate fish with red chilli powder , salt and pepper powder

Take a deep bottomed vessel and shallow fry fish in that. Take out fish onto a plate.

Add sliced onion into the same oil. You can add more oil if needed. Saute in garlic once the onion start browning , for a minute.

 

Add tomatoes to it. When tomatoes are completely done, add fish and curry leaves (if using) into it. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Now, add the rice to this masala and mix it nicely. Keep in dum for 10-15 minutes or till the rice is done.

 Linking this to  Kerala Kitchen Event