Gulf Sayadieh… Sayadieh is one of the most famous Gulf seafood dishes, combining fried fish with spiced rice flavored with onions. It’s a rich and delicious meal perfect for lunch or gatherings, known for its wonderful taste and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
– For the Tomato Sauce:
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (or vegetable oil)
- Onion: 1 medium (finely chopped)
- Garlic: 1 clove (minced)
- Chili pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (crushed)
- Tomatoes: 1.5 cups (chopped)
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: To taste
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
– For the Fish:
- Fish fillets: 4 pieces (such as tilapia, cod, or grouper)
- Paprika: To taste
- Salt: To taste
- Black pepper: To taste
- All-purpose flour: As needed (to coat the fish)
- Oil: As needed (for frying)
– For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro: To taste (chopped)
- Nuts: To taste (toasted, almonds or pine nuts)
- Lemon: Slices
– Basmati rice: 1.5 cups (rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes)
– Onion: 1 medium (finely chopped)
– Garlic: 1 clove (minced)
– Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (or vegetable oil)
– Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
– Ground cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
– Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon
– Saffron: A pinch (optional)
– Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
– Water: 2 cups
Instructions
- To prepare the rice: Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat it with the flavors. Pour in the water and salt, and bring to a boil.
- Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. Let it rest briefly, then gently stir in the cilantro.
- To prepare the sauce: Heat the oil and add the onion, garlic, and chili pepper. Then add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the cilantro.
- Season the fish pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then dredge them in flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet and fry the fish until golden brown and cooked through on both sides. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the rice on a platter and arrange the fried fish on top. Garnish with nuts and cilantro. Serve with the tomato sauce and lemon slices on the side.
- Sayadieh can be served with tahini salad or green salad.
