SHALLOW FRIED SPICED FISH WITH GARLIC PEPPER RICE

This is an absolute favourite at my home, to be precise with my men. They are not good example of a Bengali. All my efforts to make them that goes in vein. I sweat out in the kitchen and there is no smiley faces I get to see on the dinner table. The senior still loves a nicely made 'macher jhol', the junior prefers this kind. He prefers a flavoured rice more with boneless fish steaks, else mumma has to de-bone the fish. 

I wonder how the son does not enjoy regular Bengali Food. He was fed simple, Bengali meals since age six. Though their preference of food leads me to hassle free cooking, I am not happy. I do Bengali cooking and share the joy with the people around who love it. I cannot accept the fact that my son will have only meat and no fish. I feel it is a serious threat to my Bengali identity. After all Bengalis are fish lovers. I try to prepare it the way he loves. 

I feel this generation kids do not want to make any effort for anything.... my boy prefers prawns and fish fillets for the same reason. To see some sunshine on their face, I decided the other day to prepare this platter but I had only Bengal Carp / Katla Steaks in my freezer. Accompanied by a generous serving of salad, it is goodness in a plate. You can use boneless fish fillets for the fish preparation. Compiled together both recipes of spicy fish and garlic pepper rice.

INGREDIENTS : [for the Garlic Pepper Rice]

Rice : 1big cup
Black Pepper Powder [fresh, coarsely ground] : 1tsp
Garlic [minced] : 1tbsp
Salt : As required
Oil : 1tbsp

INGREDIENTS : [for the Fish Fry]

Boneless Firm Fish Fillets : 5-6 [I used bone on Bengal Carp Steaks]
Lemon Juice : 2-3 tbsp
Cumin Powder : 1tsp
Coriander Powder : 1/2tsp
Garam Masala Powder : 1tsp
Kashmiri Chilli Powder : 1/2tsp
Turmeric Powder : 1/2tsp
Salt : As Required
Oil : 1tbsp+1tbsp

METHOD : [the Garlic Pepper Rice]

Prepare the rice in enough water till it is 70% done. Spread over a newspaper and let cool.

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the minced garlic and saute at high heat until it gives a nice aroma. Add the rice, fold in well.

Add the salt and pepper powder, fold in well and stir at high heat for 2 minutes.

Transfer to a serving bowl.

METHOD : [the Swallow Fried Spiced Fish]

Wash and marinate the fish steaks with lemon juice and little salt for 1/2 an hour.

Now discard the marinade. Rub the fish pieces with cumin powder, coriander powder, chilli powder, garam masala powder, Kashmiri Chilli powder, 1tbsp oil, turmeric powder and a little of salt. Keep aside for 20 minutes.

Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan and swallow fry the marinated fish steaks on both sides. They will be crisp with softer interior as we are using less oil in it.

Serve hot with a choice of salad. That is really quick, no fuss cooking!