Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Thai Tilapia

I recently discovered a new magazine called "Clean Eating". Improving your life one meal at a time is its catch phrase. Thought it sounded interesting so I bought it. I LOVE IT! Healthy, Green and Great food is what its all about. Tonite's dinner is a recipe I found inside. ( I actually asked for this magazine subscription for my a birthday gift ). Its Thai Tilapia with Basil and Pineapple couscous. Pineapple and Basil is a traditional pairing in Thai Cuisine. Its the bold combinations of fragrant Basil, sweet pineapple, and savory soy sauce that gives this dish a wonderful flavor. I, of course had to make this my own by adding a couple of Thai Chilis to the couscous dish. I wont be chopping them up, and they are dried, so when they reconstitute they will add some nice flavor to the dish. Just remember to remove them before serving. Its not a chili you want to eat! I also used chicken stock instead of water to make the couscous. It adds sooo much more flavor to the couscous. Play with a recipe. Add things you like and try it. The recipe is just a template for you to create something!  This recipe serves 4.

Tiapia with Basil Pineapple and Edamame Couscous
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple diced ( about 12 oz )
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves thinly slice ( chiffonade )
1 tbs low sodium soy sauce
juice and zest of 1 lime
2 tbs whole wheat flour
1 lb tilapia fillets 4 peices
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp paprika
1 tsp + 1 tbs olive oil
1 cup uncooked couscous ( I only use Whole wheat but regular is fine )
2 cups frozen shelled edamame ( rinsed under cold water until defrosted )
2 thai red chilis
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Instructions:
1. Place half of pineapple in food processor with half of basil, soy sauce and lime juice and zest. Blend until smooth. set aside
2. Season Tiliapia with salt and pepper and coat both sides with flour.
3. Heat small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tbs oil and couscous and toast for 1-2 minutes until gives off a nutty aroma.  Add edamame, remaining pineapple and 2 cups of stock, and 2 thai red chili's and bring to a boil. stirring once or twice. Turn off heat and cover. Let rest for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
4. Meanwhile heat large skillet over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tbs oil, When oil is hot, add tilapia and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until a crisp crust forms and fish is cooked through. Add remaining basil to the resting couscous and stir. Divide couscous mixture and tilapia into 4 servings. Drizzle tilapia with 3 tbs pineapple soy mixture. Nutritional information says that this recipe is 417 calories per serving. Total fat - 11 grams, total carbs-44g, protein 38g, and fiber 9g. That sounds good in my book. Remember its all about portion size. Or at least thats what I am learning now. A healthy, nutritious and delicious tasting dinner. Quick and Easy to make! It was sooo yummy! I served it with a side of Arugula with some Mango Chili Vinegar and Olive Oil. Sorry guys, I keep forgetting to take pictures. I had the camera in my pocket but sat down to eat and completely forgot. This picture is the leftovers in containers! LOL Remember- Life is full of Tasty Morsels!

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