Friday 8 January 2010

Thai Style Fish and Greens with Noodles

Happy belated 2010 readers.

2010 brought a milestone to yours truly's door on 1st January when the grand old age of 40 was reached. And looking at my tired, overindulged face and frame on that morning I certainly knew the day had arrived. Time to put things straight at the risk of another broken resolution, or just carry on as normal?

The new year is always a time of false starts and bruised beginnings and I for one am guilty of many a resolution that has failed to stand the test of time. And this year I've decided to skip it completely and carry on as normal. Why? Because I'm happy. Simple as.

One 'change' I will be making on the food front though is to consume more food from South East Asia. It is quickly becoming my favourite world cuisine by far, even surpassing my love of British puds and meaty casseroles. I adore the simplicity of the food that covers this vast continent that amazingly packs in so much flavour. Always hot, sometimes sour, usually salty with a little bit of sweet. It shakes you up from taste buds to toes and makes you feel happy to be alive. 40 or not 40.

This is one of those recipes that can be tweaked according to what vegetables that you have in your fridge along with any leftover meat for a weekend supper to please all. As in this recipe, crunchy cabbage and a piece of fish keep it light, fresh and wholesome. Add the heat of the chilli after serving to your little ones and it becomes family friendly.

Thai Style Fish and Greens with Noodles

Feeds 4

1 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
1 tbsp onion seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 onion, finely chopped
1 thumb size of ginger, grated
3 cloves of garlic, sliced
1 red chilli, deseeded and sliced finely
Half a large cabbage, sliced thinly
100ml water
2 fillets of salmon, sliced thin
A portion of cooked noodles
1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
Milk of one coconut or 100ml coconut milk
Half a coconut, finely grated
Juice of 1 lime
A handful of fresh coriander

1 - Heat the oil in a wok and add the cumin and onion seeds. Cook for 1 minute until they crackle then add the onion, ginger, garlic and chilli. Stir fry for 2 minutes until softened.
2 - Add the cabbage and water, stir thoroughly, bring to the boil and place a lid onto the wok. Steam for 5 minutes until the cabbage has slightly softened.
3 - Remove the lid and stir in the salmon. Cook for 2 minutes then stir in the noodles, fish sauce, coconut milk, fresh coconut, lime juice and coriander. Heat through. Taste for seasoning - you want a nice blend of heat, salt and sourness from the lime.
4 - Serve in bowls with more fresh coconut, coriander and lime wedges.

14 comments:

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

My daughter absolutely adores Thai cooking and vegetable curries so I have had a healthy dose of both over the years. This looks delicious David.

Sylvie said...

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday! Realising that no changes need to be made because you're happy with things as they are is a pretty good place to be at any age!

Unknown said...

Welcome to the special age club and congratulations. I made thai curry for new year and ate it round a bonfire in the snow so relate to what you are saying about South East Asian food. All the best.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday David . Susan

Helen said...

I couldn't agree more. This kind of food is needed after all that Christmas indulgence. Talk about a palate livener! A very happy 2010 to you too.

Chef Jeena said...

Happy Birthday David!

This dish looks so tasty, I know what you mean about oriental flavours I love a good helping of soy sauce and the fragrance of lemon grass.

I need to cook a bit more healthy too 2010 but at the moment I am on a roll making fabulous cakes... I am sure when my clothes get tighter though I will be quick to get healthier again. :-)

Infact I want to start eating more sardines the benefits are great. Do you like sardines David?

aforkfulofspaghetti said...

If you're going to be cooking more food like this, then I'll definitely be reading!

Happy New Year, David!

Sarah said...

This is fantastic, David. I wasn't sure about the cumin with the Thai flavourings but it adds a lovely smoky warmth. My other half, who also celebrates his birthday on 1st Jan, loved it. It'll definitely be on my staples list from now on, along with your veggie chilli.

Alex said...

Belated Happy Big 4-O

Its a brilliant age, enjoy!

x

Trig said...

Look on the bright side. You're nearer my age than my father's age. Just.

Cynthia said...

Happy Belated! I know, I am really late! :)

Gavan, 'The Healthy Irishman' said...

Belated happy Birthday young man. I'm not far behind you!
Love this type of simple food. Quick n easy and healthy to boot.
All the best to you and fam for 2110.

cookeaze said...

Great recipe and this looks like the nice opportunity to try my skills in making noodles. Yum

Sarah said...

Hello David. I've been reading for several years and wanted to say thanks for all your great recipes and good ideas. I've given you an award over on my blog, so have a look! Thanks again.

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