mutabbaq-samak
Next Dish: Barramundi
Mutabbaq Samak is a traditional dish originating from Saudi Arabia, commonly enjoyed in the Hejaz region. It is a seafood dish primarily consisting of fish, often hammour, which is marinated in spices and herbs before being wrapped in a thin layer of dough and baked. The dish is typically served with rice and a hot sauce. The term "Mutabbaq" translates to "folded", which refers to the method of wrapping the fish in the dough.
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 lbs of fish fillets
2 large onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Salt to taste
2 cups of Basmati rice
4 cups of water
2 tablespoons of butter
Instructions:
Rinse the fish fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent.
Add the fish pieces to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through.
Add the lemon juice, chopped fresh coriander, turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and salt to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the Basmati rice and cook according to the package instructions.
Once the rice is cooked, drain and add it to the pan with the fish. Mix well to combine.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the fish and rice mixture to a baking dish and dot with butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Serve the Mutabbaq Samak hot, garnished with fresh coriander if desired.