Indian Style (Konkani) Salmon

It has been almost a year since I posted here, but you know what, I am 100% back and ready to blog my heart out. What have I been doing for the passed year? Cooking, baking, and well completing an honors thesis which literally occupied 90% of my mindspace. Quite frankly I tried my best to continue blogging, but I did need time to focus on my education. So from me, a massive thank you for being so patient! It means the world 🙂

This happens to be one of those recipes that I love making all the time. Salmon is just such a crowd favourite and if cooked well, is the perfect healthy dinner. Now salmon actually has a high caloric count, and even a small fillet is hugely filling. My favourite way to serve up a fillet? With a big salad packed with tonnes of greens, or even a small portion of spicy rice. This Indian style Salmon goes incredibly well with a simple curry base, such as butter chicken curry (minus the chicken) or rogan josh masala.

Back on track 😛 This recipe is so perfect for those nights where all you need is some comfort food, something that is warm and hearty and is going to fill you right up. With lemon, and coriander along with warming cloves in this marinade, you honestly cannot go wrong. Now one big tip about cooking fish in general –  salting the fish before the marinade helps to keep the fish ridiculously tender.

 

The marinade is so incredibly simple. All I added was some coconut, tamarind, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, more clove and star anise binded with some lemon juice too. Add through fresh red chilli for a delicious spicy kick in your recipe, along with garlic for that added bite. Yes we all know how much I love garlic. Now garlic and fish, well they just are the perfect combination. Trust me on that one.

Once the marinade is made, rub it into the Salmon flesh and set it aside. Let the fish marinade for a minimum of 10 minutes, but preferably marinate the fish for 30 mins in the fridge to let the flavors intensify and the fish to tenderize. The coriander gives the salmon a fresh edge, while the spices really warm up the meal. Now if you wanted to make this salmon fillet luxurious, then add a touch of softened butter. Remember to add a touch of salt too!

Arrange lemon slices and coriander stalks onto some aluminum foil and lay the salmon over the bed. What is the lemon there for? It’s to help steam the salmon to honest perfection in the foil pocket. Additionally, you end up with a sweet almost caramelized tang from the lemon which not only balances the spice in the marinade, but also intensifies the overall warmth from the meal. Bake for 30 mins, or until the fish is done to your liking. Some like it well done, some like it medium, so it depends on your preference.

TO serve? Go ahead and make yourself a big green salad to go along with this delicious flaky salmon, or a little bowl of rice would work too. This salmon goes incredibly well with left over coconut rice too 😛

 

The easiest coconut cake

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love coconut. I’ve even made a recipe for coconut fish already. It’s just so wonderful! It’s hearty and nutty and just so yummy.

If you don’t like coconut, then be sure that I find you crazy 😛

This recipe has taken inspiration from the 1000’s of coconut cake recipes I found on pinterest (loveee). In the interest of making a cake that would be suitable for my parents to eat during religious festivals, where we don’t eat any meat or egg, I decided to make an eggless coconut cake that ends up fluffy and decadent and really yummy. To be honest though, you could make this as a nice loaf too, and serve it up with some tea. Actually, coconut and tea go nicely together. Or some coffee. Ever had a coconut coffee?? Maybe I should try…

Moving on. This is by far the easiest recipe you will see. All the main ingredients are in equal portions, and the other bits and bobs, well… I’ve added them just like I would in any other cake recipe. Actually… I barely ever make any cakes. You get what I mean 😛

Here is the recipe!

 

After resting it really well, the cake is delicious and moist. Yes I said it. Moist. I can’t help it… it just is that. I served this up with a spot of tea, and it actually makes for a really cute item to take over to a friends house or make for a tea party. Add a dollop of whipped cream, maybe a drizzle of simple syrup… maybe even some ice cream. The cake just works.