Friday, June 17, 2011

Almond Crusted Tilapia Fish


Seafood is one of our favorite all time food, which I think is very easy to make and to achieve big flavors. I always make sauted fish fry which is easy, like add seasoning and pan fry the fish in bit olive oil. This time I wanted to try something little different, but keep it simple but healthy. So here is the simple 5 minute recipe.

The almond is a native to the Mediterranean climate region of the Middle East, eastward as far as the Indus.

Almond syrup

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Historically, almond syrup was an emulsion of sweet and bitter almonds, usually made with barley syrup (orgeat syrup) or in a syrup of orange flower water and sugar.

The Grocer's Encyclopedia (1911) notes that "Ten parts of sweet almonds are generally employed to three parts of bitter almonds"; however, due to the cyanide found in bitter almonds, modern syrups generally consist of only sweet almonds.

Oils


Almonds contain approximately 49% oils, of which 62% is monounsaturated oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), 24% is linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6 essential fatty acid), and 6% is palmitic acid (a saturated fatty acid).[24]

"Oleum Amygdalae", the fixed oil, is prepared from either variety of almond and is a glyceryl oleate, with a slight odour and a nutty taste. It is almost insoluble in alcohol but readily soluble in chloroform or ether. Sweet almond oil is obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds.
The oil is good for application to the skin as an emollient, and has been traditionally used by massage therapists to lubricate the skin during a massage session. It is a mild, lightweight oil that can be used as a substitute for olive oil.
Almond oil is also used as a wood conditioner of certain woodwind instruments, such as the oboe and clarinet.

Nutrition

The sweet almond contains about 26% carbohydrates (12% dietary fiber, 6.3% sugars, 0.7% starch and the rest miscellaneous carbohydrates), and may therefore be made into flour for cakes and cookies (biscuits) for low-carbohydrate diets. A standard serving of almond flour, 1 cup, contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, of which 10 g is dietary fiber, for a net of 10 g of carbohydrate per cup. This makes almond flour very desirable for use in cake and bread recipes by people on carbohydrate-restricted diets.

Almonds are a rich source of vitamin E, containing 24 mg per 100 g. They are also rich in dietary fiberB vitaminsessential minerals andmonounsaturated fat (see nutrient table), one of the two "good" fats which potentially may lower LDL cholesterol. Typical of nuts and seeds, almonds also contain phytosterols, associated with cholesterol-lowering properties.
Potential health benefits, which have not been scientifically validated, include improved complexion and possibly a lower risk of cancer.Preliminary research associates consumption of almonds with elevating blood levels of high density lipoproteins and lowering low density lipoproteins. A preliminary trial showed that, in spite of the high fat content of almonds, using them in the daily diet might lower several factors associated with heart disease, including cholesterol and blood lipids.
Almonds contain polyphenols in their skins analogous to those of certain fruits and vegetables.
Almonds may cause allergy or intolerance. Cross-reactivity is common with peach allergens (lipid transfer proteins) and tree nut allergens. Symptoms range from local symptoms (e.g., oral allergy syndromecontact urticaria) to systemic symptoms including anaphylaxis (e.g.,urticariaangioedema, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms).

Ingredients:
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1-2 Tilapia fillets, cut into medium pieces or you can just keep it as whole fillets
1/4 cup Almonds
1 tsp Cayenne pepper powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp Black Pepper powder
Salt to taste
1 tsp Olive oil

Method:
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1. In a mixer grind the almonds into fine powder.  You can also use spice grinder for this.
2. In a mixing bowl add the almond powder, and all the seasoning except the fish and mix well.
3. In a plate add the seasoned almonds, place each fillet or piece of fish and coat in on both sides.
4. In the meantime heat a saute pan with olive oil, and when the pan is medium hot, arrange the crusted fish and saute it until the crust is golden brown for about 3-4 mins on each side.
5. Serve this fish with seasoned rice, steamed rice or pasta and vegetables. Best served during the week day meals, because it's not heavy but light and healthy.