Cumin Rice and Masala Fried Tilapia

There are days when i dont wanna "really cut and chop and cook anything"; but i crave for something home made. Thats when this combo comes to the rescue and trust me its so quick to make without any cutting and chopping, that you dont feel like you really have been in the kitchen. I really did not like the taste of the cumin, but slowly started liking it and adding to my recipes. Its so good that i have no clue why i have developed a sort of aversion to this flavorful spice all this time. 

Coming to Tilapia ; we  have a freezer full of this fish , all the time , as if some Tilapia banning is gonna come soon ;). no matter its a curry, peera pattichathu , grilled or baked, we love this fish, and try to include this in our meal all the time...Hope y'all will njoy this, as much as we do.Serve this with some pickle

Recipe for Cumin Rice

Ingredients:-

Basmati Rice - 1 1/2 cup 

Cumin seeds - 1 tsp

Butter - 3 tsp

Bay leaves - 1

Cardamom - 2 (optional)

Salt to taste

Method 

Soak rice for 15 minutes and drain it.

Heat butter in a cooking vessel and add bay leaves, cardamom  and cumin seeds and fry it for 30 seconds to a minute.
but dont let it burn.

Add drained rice and fry it for 2 minutes

Add 3 cups of water( some rice needs 3 1/2 cups) and bring to boil.
Cook it covered till it is done Remove from fire, fluff it with a fork and let it stand covered for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Recipe for Masala Fried Tilapia

Ingredients

Tilapia - 2

Garam masala - 1 tsp

Chili powder - 1/2 tsp

Chili flakes - 1/2 tsp

Garlic powder or garlic paste - 1/2 tsp( i used powder)

Salt to taste

Oil

Make a paste with all the ingredients , by adding little water.Smear it on the fish, keep it for 15 minutes and shallow fry(flip it after 5-7 minutes), in a non stick pan till it is done.

Cheers
Sarah