Get ready to experience a burst of Middle Eastern flavors in your home with this tantalizing recipe for Persian fish on lentil and pita salad. We were inspired by a chance encounter with a passionate chef in Tel Aviv. Furthermore, he showed us how this dish is easy to prepare and packed with exotic spices and fresh ingredients. Moreover, it’s perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. This recipe will impress your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East. So prepare to spice up your cooking game and create a culinary masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your guests!
It was a hot summer day when my family and I visited a Middle Eastern restaurant in Tel Aviv. We were excited to try their famous dishes and enjoy a relaxing afternoon, especially the Persian fish on lentils and pita salad. As we sat down, we noticed an old man in the corner of the restaurant who seemed to be in charge of preparing the food. His expertise was evident as we tasted the mouth-watering flavors of each dish.
A sudden power outage occurred as we finished our meal, causing the restaurant to close temporarily. Consequently, we sat in there, wondering what to do next. Meanwhile, the old man approached us, offering to share his knowledge and passion for cooking. Therefore, we were happy to learn that he was the one who had prepared our meal and couldn’t wait to hear more.
As we were about to leave, I gathered the courage to ask him for the recipe for the dish we had just enjoyed. To my surprise, he agreed to share it with me. He wrote it down on paper and handed it to me with a smile. I thanked him for his generosity, and we left the restaurant, excited to try the recipe when we got home.
He shared a recipe for a Persian fish on lentil and pita salad. It consisted of flathead fillets seasoned with caraway seeds, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Firstly, the fish was then pan-fried until crispy and served on a bed of cooked puy lentils, mixed with chopped red onion, cucumber, mint, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice and zest. Finally, the salad was topped with crispy pita bread and plain yogurt.
This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. Additionally, you can have it with additional sides, such as a green salad or roasted vegetables, to add color and variety to the meal. Moreover, you can pair it with chilled white wine or a refreshing mint-infused lemonade to complement the flavors.
Several dishes can be served with Persian fish on lentils and pita salad for a complete meal. For example:
Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette can complement the dish and add fresh flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, for instance, carrots, zucchini, or eggplant can add color and flavor to the meal. Drizzle them with olive oil and roast them in the oven until tender.
Hummus and Pita Bread: A classic Middle Eastern side dish, hummus and pita bread, can be served as a dip with the salad. The creamy texture of the hummus and the crispy texture of the pita bread goes well with the lentils and fish.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant can also be a great addition. Brush them with olive oil and grill them until tender and slightly charred.
Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf with spices like cumin and turmeric can complement the flavors of the fish and lentils. Top it with toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for added texture.
The Persian fish on lentil and pita salad is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides to create a complete meal. Get creative with your sides and experiment with different flavors and textures to find your perfect combination.
Here is how I created the Persian fish on lentil and pita salad at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 pieces of pita bread
- 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 12 small flathead fish fillet
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 cup of Puy lentils
- 1 teaspoon of ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, finely chopped
- 1 cup of fresh coriander leaves
- The juice and zest of one lemon
- Plain yogurt for serving
How to create the Persian fish on lentil and pita salad?
- Preheat your oven to 180°C.
- Lightly brush the pita bread with one tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle them with caraway seeds. Bake them in the oven for about five minutes or until they become crispy.
- In a large bowl, combine the fish, one tablespoon of oil, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Let the mixture marinate for ten minutes.
- While the fish is marinating, cook the lentils in a large saucepan of boiling water for around 20 minutes or until tender. Once done, refresh them under cold running water, drain well, and place them in a large bowl.
- Add the finely chopped red onion, cucumber, mint leaves, coriander leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil to the bowl of lentils. Toss everything together to combine, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Add the marinated fish and cook for around two minutes on each side or until it’s cooked.
- Break the pita bread into shards and place them on serving plates. Spoon the lentil salad over the pita pieces of bread and top with the cooked fish.
- Serve the dish with plain yogurt on the side.
Thank you for taking the time to read through my writing about the Persian fish on lentil and pita salad. I hope you found the recipe and the suggested sides inspiring and helpful for your next meal. It was a pleasure sharing my experience at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Tel Aviv and the recipe that the kind old man shared with me. Cooking is a wonderful way to express creativity and unite people. In addition, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make your dish. I hope this recipe inspires you to try new things and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
