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Peruvian-Style Saffron Fish

Course Main Course
Cuisine Peruvian
Keyword seafood
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Author Christine Ma

Ingredients

Basmati rice

  • ¼ teaspoon saffron
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth

Peruvian-style saffron fish

  • 3 tablespoons oil divided
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup reserved saffron water
  • ½ cup coconut cream
  • 4 cod fillets

Blood orange relish

  • 2 blood oranges peeled and chopped
  • 1 small cucumber sliced
  • ¼ cup chopped mint
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sumac

Instructions

  • Make basmati rice. Combine saffron with warm water in a medium bowl and let sit for 5 minutes or until water turns yellow.
  • Melt butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and saute until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another minute. Add rice and white wine and bring to a simmer. Continue to simmer until liquid is almost all evaporated, stirring occasionally. Add ¼ cup saffron water and chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover pot, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  • Prepare fish. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and saute until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and tomato paste, stirring to combine. Saute for 1-2 minutes or until tomato paste is caramelized. Add chicken broth and remaining ¼ cup saffron water and bring to a boil. Continue to simmer until reduced by half.
  • Add coconut cream and simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
  • Season cod with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Lay fish in an even layer and pan-sear until golden brown on both sides and fish flakes easily. Transfer fish to sauce and brush sauce on top.
  • Make orange relish. Combine orange chunks with sliced cucumber, mint, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and sumac. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Serve Peruvian saffron fish with basmati rice and top fish with orange relish. Serve immediately.