 |
Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 30 Minutes Servings: 6 |
|
At street stalls, fish kebabs come in various forms, but when prepared at home, says Kiran Desai, they are not grilled on skewers but fried and served on plates with a little chutney drizzled on top. Ingredients:
1 lb skinless catfish or tilapia fillet, pin bones removed and fish cut into 1-inch pieces |
2 tablespoons plain whole-milk yogurt (preferably thick, such as greek) |
1 tablespoon finely grated (with a rasp) peeled fresh ginger |
2 teaspoons finely grated (with a rasp) garlic |
1 teaspoon minced fresh green chile, such as serrano or thai, including seeds, or to taste |
rounded 1/2 teaspoon salt |
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin |
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander |
1/4 teaspoon turmeric |
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro |
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs |
1 1/2 to 2 cups vegetable oil |
accompaniment: cilantro mint chutney |
Directions:
1. Purée fish with yogurt in a food processor until smooth.
2. Stir together ginger, garlic, chile, salt, cumin, coriander, and turmeric in a large bowl, then add fish and cilantro and stir until seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Spread bread crumbs on a plate. Wet hands slightly, then form 2 tablespoons fish mixture into an oval about 3 inches long. Flatten oval slightly, then transfer to crumbs and turn to coat lightly. Transfer to a tray lined with wax paper. Make about 17 more patties in same manner.
4. Heat 1/2 inch oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then fry patties in 2 batches, gently turning over once or twice with tongs, until golden and just cooked through, 2 1/2 to 3 minutes per batch. Transfer as fried to paper towels to drain.
5. If serving as an hors d'oeuvre, put each patty on a skewer and serve with chutney for dipping. If serving as a first course, divide patties among 6 plates (about 3 per person) and drizzle with chutney.
6. Cooks' note: Patties can be formed and coated (but not fried) 3 hours ahead and chilled, covered.
|
|