Basmati Rice and Spiced Fish

Basmati Rice and Spiced Fish—This easy Basmati Rice and Spiced Fish recipe is my version of the Lebanese Sayadieh, made with spiced fluffy basmati rice and pan fried Halibut fish and topped with toasted nuts.

Sayadieh is a dish that every Lebanese household is familiar with; it is also popular in many Middle Eastern and Arab countries. I grew up having this dish regularly.

This dish brings memories of my home town Beirut, on the Mediterranean sea, where fresh fish and produce are at abundance in farmer markets and little shops around the city.

I find the combination of spiced white fish and the sweetens of basmati rice magical and the addition of nuts and raisins gives the dish a true middle eastern twist.

My children love this wholesome and nutritious meal and I often serve it with a drizzle of Tahini Sauce on top and Tabbouleh or fresh green salad on the side.

What is Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is a long grain rice of Indian origin. It has become internationally renowned for its aromatic and nutty flavor in addition to its fluffy light texture.

In India the word basmati means fragrant, which surely suits this rice that possesses a beautiful, delicate floral aroma.

Ingredients Needed:

To cook the Fish you need the following ingredients: Halibut fish fillets (Cod and Sea-bass fish work too), salt, black pepper, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, ginger powder, paprika and olive oil.

To cook the Basmati Rice you need the following ingredients: yellow onions, olive oil, basmati rice and garlic.

You will also need, salt, cinnamon and turmeric to season the rice with.

I also like to toast slivered almonds and pine nuts to garnish the dish along with raisins and chopped parsley.

How to Cook Basmati Rice and Fish

Season the fish with salt and spices and set aside for a few minutes.

In a large deep skillet, heat up two tablespoons of olive oil and cook the onions until lightly golden brown, about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning and thenadd minced garlic and season with salt, cinnamon and turmeric. Add your rice and stir to coat with onions and spices.

Pour four cups of boiling water, bring to a boil, reduce heat and cover to cook rice until tender. This takes about 18–20 minutes. Remove from heat, add raisins, cover again and let stand for five minutes.

While rice is cooking, heat up your frying pan, add two tablespoons of olive oil and fry your fish in batches until golden brown on all sides.

Plate the rice in a serving dish and top with fried fish, almonds and pine nuts and garnish with chopped parsley.

What to Serve with Basmati Rice and Fish

This delicious Basmati Rice and Fish dish is best served with Tahini Sauce and a bowl of Tabbouleh.

You can also try it with my Spiced Yogurt Sauce.

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