À la Sandy

My friend, Lise, made this Halibut dish for our Book Group this summer. It has an Indian/Asian flavor to it, made with Coconut milk and Indian spices. It is FABULOUS!  It’s one of the best fish dishes I’ve had, since……..well, since Lise made Tilapia for us last time she hosted Book Group!  I’ve made it several times since and can’t wait to share the recipe with you.

Note:  The Garam Masala can be found at Indian specialty stores – if you don’t have one nearby, click below on the words “garam masala” and you’ll find a place to buy online, or directions on how to make it yourself.

We met for Book Group last night and Lise surprised all of us with canisters full of homemade garam masala, ground and toasted by an Indian girlfriend of ours!

Lise’s Unbelievable Halibut ~ Served at Book Group July, 2009

Approx. 6 tablespoons garam masala spice mix
6-8 tablespoons Olive oil
2 Halibut filets
4 tablespoons garlic, chopped
6 shallots, sliced lengthwise, thinly
3 tablespoons ginger, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped finely
4-5 thin stalks of lemongrass, about 3 inches long
1 can coconut milk, not low fat
1 small can tomato sauce
Juice of one lime
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 Cup fresh cilantro, 2/3 Cup chopped – the remainder for garnishing
Rice pilaf

Rub the halibut pieces with garam masala spice mix and set aside.  Over medium flame, brown & cook the halibut in olive oi, until  golden brown – about 3 minutes on each side.

In another large, deep skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons olive oil and add 3 tablespoons of the  garam masala mix. Lightly cook the spice combination.  Add the garlic and shallots and sauté.  Add the chopped red pepper, ginger and lemongrass.  Continue to sauté.  Add coconut milk and tomato sauce and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken.  Add the cumin, curry powder, cardamom and ground coriander. Continue cooking for 3 minutes.  Add the juice of 1 lime and salt to taste.

Toss in 2/3 Cup of the cilantro, and return the halibut to the pan. Let it cook for 1 minute in the sauce.

Serve over brown rice or rice pilaf and garnish with cilantro.