It seems that wherever we look today we're guaranteed to find someone that's on a special diet, or has some type of health concern. Anywhere we turn we're being bombarded with cancer preventing foods, low fat diets, low cholesterol diets, detoxifying diets, vegetarian diets, just to name a few. How then are we to make a reasonable choice for ourselves and still enjoy food? It almost seems that eating for pure enjoyment is not on the menu anymore! It's true that a proper balanced diet results in good health, but many people today have taken this to an extreme. Some turn to a purely vegetarian diet without supplementing with calcium and good protein alternatives, some remove carbohydrates from their diet, and then wonder why they've got no energy.
And then there are the ones that pride themselves on their fat free method of cooking, but then have some how forgotten that fast foods are laden with fat! We all live busy lifestyles, and for some, sitting down at the end of the day and sharing a meal with our loved ones has become a thing of the past. Its very promising that many people are becoming more aware of the advantage of good eating habits, but let's not take the joy out of cooking and eating. Food is meant to be shared, enjoyed and eating is indeed meant to be a pleasurable experience, not just a means to fuel our bodies. Great food does not equal unhealthy foods, neither does it mean hours slaving over the kitchen stove. uick, easy and delicious meals can be prepared using the freshest ingredients of the highest quality. Sitting down to a delicious home made meal, accompanied with good wine and crowned with a superb home made dessert is still one of life's greatest joys. Always remember, moderation is the key to healthy living. So go ahead, enjoy great food, and lets all try to bring back mealtimes to the wonderful eating experience it is meant to be.
COCONUT FISH WITH LEMONGRASS AND HOT PEPPERS
• 1 lb fresh fish fillets (Carite or King fish) cut into 4 portions
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbs minced chives
• 2 tbs fresh chive, white and green portions, finely chopped
• 1 stalk fresh lemon grass (fever grass) thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 hot pepper, seeded and cut into strips
• 1 tbs vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp fresh limejuice
Clean and wash fish fillets season with ground chives, garlic, salt and black.
In a medium sauté pan heat oil and add garlic, onions, chives, hot pepper and lemongrass, sauté until fragrant about one minute.
Add coconut milk and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Adjust seasonings to taste.
Puree sauce in blender and strain.
Return sauce to pot.
And bring to a simmer, add fish fillets and cook for about 4 minutes on each side basting frequently with sauce.
Remove from heat, adjust seasonings, sprinkle on limejuice and serve immediately.
Serves 4