Chef Liz

 

My friends know that I am not overly enthusiastic about cooking - don't get me wrong, I do cook [well] but I just do not trully enjoy it - the process of cooking. I only really enjoy cooking when I am trying out something new and exotic (as my buds would say 'oyinbo food' - not that I agree with them - but that is another kettle of fish).

My alomost apathy towards cooking I think led to a lifestyle of eating out, and added to poor choices (heavy in carbs & empty calories) I am convinced this contributed to me piling on the weight. But in changing my lifestyle (as I strive to DROP IT 4 LIFE) I fully intend to eat my way to a healthy weight and a healthy life. If you are reading this, I feel you will share my sentiments; so please do read on...

With this new lifestyle, I am making concerted effort to actually make my own meals (take a packed lunch to work and all that) & yes - I am also trying out new and exotic recipies (somemost times making up stuff as I go along). There have been a few misses, but I have had more hits (if I may say so myself) - and I want to share some of the hits with you.

Here goes...

Liz's Steamed Fish Fillet with Mixed Veg

• 1 fish fillet (I got mine frozen from Chi Shop- Usuma Street, Abuja)
• Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• 2 midium strands of saffron (very optional)
• Pinch of salt (or to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Fresh Mixed Veg (I used eggplant, carrots, green beans, spring onions, fresh ginger -grated) - feel free to use whatever veg combo you can get your hands on - think brocolli, asparagus etc

What I did
I allowed the fish thaw (obviously)
I mixed the spices - black pepper, salt, garlic powder, saffron in a small plastic pistle and ground them all together
Then I rubbed the ground spices into the thawed fish fillet
Then I placed the spiced fish in a plastic bowl for 10mins to marinate
After that I add about three tablespoons of water into the bowl
Then I nuked it! Yep!
I cranked my micowave to high and cooked for 10mins (at 5 minute intervals)

For the mixed veg:
First thing I did was steam the carrots in my microwave - just until tender
Heated a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil (the beauty of olive oil is that a little goes a long way) - on high
Then I tossed in the sliced eggplant and cooked (stirring constantly) until done (for me thats when it begins to get transparent)
Then I added the ginger, onions, green beans - stirring constantly. The tender carrots are the last to go in
Then reduce the gas flame to slow
I spiced the veg with a pinch of salt, a dash of garlic powder and tumeric (my standard spices)

That's about it...
Here's the result-

I have to confess I made this off the top of my head inspired by some fish and veg recipies I have read in the past.

For me the merits are:

• Low carbs
• Healthy extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh veg
• High protein
• Full benefits of spices like tumeric, ginger and saffron

But most importantly - it was both very filling and YUMMY!

Would you give it a try and let me know how it goes? I have a few other tries to share, but maybe sometime soon...stay tunned.

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Till next friday...