Delicious baked white fish infused with the interesting flavours of almond and onion. Serve with one of our salads for a fabulous healthy meal. A perfect idea for your next dinner party. Serves 4 – 6.

Sweet almond and onion encrusted grouper

Ingredients

  • 1 kg fresh grouper or other white fish that is good for baking – with or without the skin
  • 2 large onions
  • 2 cloves crushed garlic

2/3 cup blanched almonds toasted in the oven until golden brown. We recommend blanched almonds. Rinse in cold water and place on baking sheet in the oven at 150c or 300f for 10 – 15 minutes or until golden brown

OR

2/3 cups pine nuts toasted in a cast iron or stainless steel frying pan over medium heat until golden brown. Stir constantly to avoid burning these delicate little nuts

  • a few sprigs of fresh thyme – removed from stems
  • 1 tbls mirin (Japanese rice wine)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped chives or 1/4 cup parsley – washed, dried and finely chopped

Method

Heat medium size frying pan or thick saucepan (that has a lid) over medium high heat. Add 1 tbls extra virgin olive oil, the onions and sauté – adjust the heat to avoid burning. After 10 minutes add the garlic and thyme and continue sautéing. Add the mirin followed by a little water cover and turn low. Simmer for another 20 minutes checking periodically that there is enough liquid to prevent burning. Grind the nuts in a food processor and remove to mixing bowl. Place the sautéed onion mixture in the processor and puree briefly (30 seconds). Mix the pureed onions with the ground nuts, stir in the lemon zest and chives or parsley.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180c or 350f and prepare the fish fillets. Wash in cold water and pat dry. cut into serving size pieces. Rub the fillets with a little olive oil and sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper. Place fish on a baking tray and bake for about 5-7 mins or until fish is about half cooked. Remove from the oven and spread a thick layer of the tasty mixture on the fish, return to oven and continue baking until lightly browned – about 5 mins.

Serve immediately and enjoy!