Saturday, April 5, 2025

Fish in Crazy Water



Crazy water? Let that not deter you. Thats the way Italian translates in this recipe. This is a simple, super easy fish stew that comes together really fast. I saw this first on America's Test Kitchen and immediately went about recreating it. This time I've made a few changes, and it still is one our favorites. 

Diced onion, sliced garlic, chopped Campari tomatoes, white wine, parsley, seasonings and fish poach in an aromatic water-based broth.  The tomatoes add both color and flavor. I use Campari tomatoes as they have a concentrated taste. Use cherry or grape tomatoes if you can't find these beauties. I found mine at Costco.

The simple flavors astound. Paired with hot rice, this fish stew shines bright.


FISH IN CRAZY WATER

Inspired by ATK

Serves 2 


4-5 Catfish Filets or any firm white fleshed fish - Cod, Tilapia, Flounder

1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Several grinds Black Pepper

2 tablespoon Olive Oil

1 white Onion, diced finely

3-4 Garlic cloves, sliced thinly

1/2 teaspoon Urfa Biber chile powder or any coarse Chili Powder

1 cup Campari Tomatoes or Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved

5-6 Parsley stems and leaves

1/4 cup White Wine

1 cup Water

1 teaspoon Lemon Olive Oil (optional)

hot cooked Rice



Cut fish into thin filets. Wash well and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper. 

Heat oil in a saucepan. 

Add garlic slices and let it color slightly.

Add chopped onions and chili powder. Saute for 3-4 minutes. 

Drop tomatoes into saucepan and saute for 2-3 minutes till tomatoes soften a little bit.

Pour in white wine and cook for 30 seconds.

Add water and parsley stems. 

Nestle the fish in the sauce. 

Add parsley leaves. 

Bring it to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. 

Uncover and drizzle lemon oil over fish.

Serve with hot cooked rice.






















Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Spicy Thai Pork Stir Fry

I'm in the mood for Thai.  I search for something spicy with ground pork. I love how fast the pork cooks, making dinner a snap. The addition of garlic, chiles and cilantro is a fresh tasting base. Oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar and chicken stock flavor the pork. Throw some Thai basil leaves in, and you have an easy stir fry. Spoon some over rice and its Thai tonight!


SPICY THAI PORK STIR FRY

Serves 4


1 pound ground Pork

3-4 Green Chiles

3 Garlic cloves

1/2 cup Coriander Stems and Leaves

2 tablespoons Canola Oil

1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce

2 tablespoons Fish Sauce

1 teaspoon Sugar

1/2 cup Chicken Stock

1/2 cup Thai Basil Leaves

Hot Cooked Rice


Pound garlic, green chiles and coriander stems till you have a rough paste. Use a mortar and pestle for best results.

Heat oil in a wok.

Scrape garlic paste into oil and saute for 2 minutes. 

Tip pork into the pan and stir fry till pork is crumbly and cooked. Do not let the pork crumbles brown. 

Add oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar and chicken stock to pork. bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. 

Scatter basil leaves over pork. Stir leaves in and serve with rice.