Herby Ginger and Tomato Fish
This really is an old, make that very old recipe. It is however, clearly one that I think is a keeper. I simplified it even further and re-made it today. Ideally the flavors scream summer. Think tomatoes, basil, cilantro, thyme and scallions. However, ever so often I pull this out on when I need something flavorful, quick and super easy. And my Herby Ginger and Tomato Fish does not fail to brighten and satisfy. And if you are wise like me, you might actually have some summer tomatoes on hand in a sauce maybe?
How I freeze excess tomatoes
I chop the tomatoes and freeze them in ziplock bags. I pull out the bags, when I need tomatoes in winter. The tomatoes are more watery than canned or regular tomatoes. However, they work beautifully in a lightly sauced dish like this one. The moisture evaporates and the tomatoes melt into a comforting sauce that adds brightness on a January day.
About the herbs and seasonings
This dish used cumin and ginger for its flavorings. A lot of ginger, perked up further with some garlic and heat. And lots of herbs. Honestly, I have loads of cilantro on hand always, and at the end of the week I need to use it up. So that is when a dish like this comes in handy. I love the flavor of thyme, feel free to add whatever herb makes you happy. Tarragon or rosemary all sound good. And then there is basil. This would work with Thai Basil as well.
This ginger and tomato fish gets done quickly; and a double batch is a good idea as the flavors taste that much better the next day. Comforting, satisfying and pretty guilt free.
Any firm fleshed white fish is a good idea. I tend to use cod or halibut, just in case you are looking for ideas. With the long weekend just wrapped up, here is wishing you a great week ahead.
How to Enjoy Herby Ginger and Tomato Fish
So this would work beautifully over something like this lemony quinoa. If you are feeling healthy consider this cauliflower rice version. A perfect side of vegetable would be this Perfect Roasted Broccoli.
A well seasoned super easy fish recipe with citrus, scallions, herbs and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of any firm white fish fillets (halibut or cod usually gets my vote)
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic minced.
- 1 fresh jalapeno minced.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped.
- 1 and 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes or canned no salt diced tomatoes.
- 2 tablespoons natural yogurt beaten.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 scallions finally chopped.
- 2 tablespoon torn basil leaves
- Optional freshly ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Zest and juice the lemon, remove the seeds if needed.
- Place the fish fillets on a large place and sprinkle with the lemon juice and zest and let the fish rest while you continue with the rest of your prep.
- Heat the oil in a large heavy bottom skillet until smoking and add the cumin seeds and allow the seeds to sizzle and crackle.
- Add in the minced ginger and garlic and cook for two to 3 minutes until the mixture is very aromatic and the garlic begins to turn pale golden.
- Add in the jalapeno and the fresh thyme and the tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes stirring lightly, until the tomatoes soften and start getting saucy.
- Add in the fish with the lemon into the mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the fish begins to turn flakey.
- Stir in the yogurt, salt and the cilantro leaves and stir well until the cilantro leaves are wilted.
- Turn off the heat and add in the scallions and the basil leaves.
- Add in freshly ground black pepper if desired and enjoy!