Fried fish fillet with a side of stewed tomatoes and fried potatoes (Mfarakeh)

Fried Fish Fillet with Stewed Tomatoes and French Fries (Mfarakeh)

A savory and traditional recipe, this combination of fried fish fillet, stewed tomatoes, and French fries is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring rich flavors and vibrant colors to the table. Combining simple yet effective cooking techniques, our recipe today will transform any meal into a special moment.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the fish:
- 1 kg fish fillet (preferably cod, sea bream, or another white fish)
- Fish spices (cloves, coriander, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, bay leaves, pepper)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 cup olive oil for frying

For the stewed tomatoes:
- 6 medium-sized tomatoes
- 2 peppers of different colors (green and orange)
- 1 small onion
- 1 teaspoon Vegeta (or preferred spices)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

For the French fries:
- 3 large potatoes
- 1 medium onion
- Potato spices (pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 cup corn oil
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Marinating the Fish:
Start by preparing the fish fillets. Cut them into larger slices and place them in a tray. Sprinkle salt and the desired spices (cloves, coriander, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, bay leaves, and pepper) over the fish. Add the lemon juice and mix well to ensure each piece is coated. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and let the fish marinate for 3-4 hours, turning it occasionally. This step is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat well.

2. Preparing the Stewed Tomatoes:
While the fish is marinating, you can prepare the tomato garnish. Blanch the tomatoes for a few minutes in hot water, then peel and cut them into larger pieces. In a pan, add olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and pepper for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes, Vegeta, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes become a smooth and delicious paste.

3. Preparing the French Fries:
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes (about 1 cm). In another pan, heat the corn oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes, then add the potatoes, spices, paprika, and salt. Fry them over medium heat until golden and tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Frying the Fish:
After the fish has marinated, coat it in flour, ensuring it is well covered. In a deep pan, heat the olive oil. When hot, carefully add the fish fillets. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Remove the fish to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

5. Serving:
Arrange the fried fish on a platter, alongside the stewed tomato garnish and French fries. Serve with a fresh parsley salad and yogurt for a touch of freshness. Enjoy!

Practical Tips and Variations:
- You can experiment with different types of fish, such as salmon or trout, depending on your preferences.
- If you don't have all the spices on hand, combine the available ones to give the fish a unique flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can bake the fish instead of frying it, using the same marinade.
- Make sure the frying oil is hot before adding the fish to achieve a crispy crust.

Nutritional Values and Benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the fish, while also providing essential nutrients from the vegetables. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, and potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy. A serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the oil used and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen fish? Yes, make sure the fish is of good quality and properly thawed before marinating.
- What can I do with leftovers? The fried fish can be stored in the fridge and reheated, though it will lose some crispiness. The stewed tomatoes can be used as a sauce for pasta or pizza.
- What is the best side dish for this meal? A fresh green salad or a yogurt salad with cucumbers are excellent choices to complement the meal.

This recipe for fried fish fillet with stewed tomatoes and French fries is more than just a simple dish – it is a true culinary ritual, bringing together flavors, textures, and tradition. Invite your friends and family to enjoy this delicious feast, and don’t hesitate to explore variations of this recipe to make it even more personal!