Egyptian Style Baked Fish (Saneya Semaak)

cooking in cairo...'s Note:

This was first prepared by my friends husband, it was so good, I had to know how he did it. I made as below, changed his recipe alittle bit but is so so yummy. The orange does not make it sweet at all, rather gives it a smooth beautiful taste. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb fish fillet (thick cut, preferably boneless- mild flavor)
• 4 stalks celery (use only the leaves)
• ½ bunch fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 large onion (sliced thin and in half)
• 2 large tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3 fresh garlic cloves (chopped finely or crushed)
• 1 large lemon
• 1 large orange
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• salt & pepper
• 3 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
• ½ cup unsalted butter (use 1 large stick of butter, not half stick)

Directions:

1. Spray a glass baking dish with a bit of non-stick cooking spray, or rub lightly with Olive Oil.
2. Wash the fish well.
3. Slice the fish into medium size slices. Not too thick or thin, up to you.
4. Lay the fish slices in baking dish.
5. Sprinkle generously with cumin, salt, pepper, old bay spice and add a bit of garlic, keep the rest for top later. Squeeze the juice of lemon over this.
6. Take remaining garlic, jalapeno, celery leaves and cilantro, add a half teaspoon of cumin and pound into a paste (using a mortar pestle or even a quick spin in food processor), does not have to be totally paste, but put together and blend well, spread this over fish. (You can squeeze lemon juice into this to make easier to blend).
7. Add all chopped vegetables, peppers, onions.
8. Squeeze the juice of orange into baking dish, top with pats of butter. You may add a bit more seasoning to top if you like.
9. Cover with foil and bake in oven at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes.
10. Towards end of baking, you may uncover if you want to lessen juices or to brown, but just as good with juices, great over brown fish rice with onion. (see my recipes).
11. ***LEFTOVER TIP*** If you make this dish and you have leftovers, the next day slice an onion, sauté it in butter, chop a small tomato, add to the onion and cook until a bit smooth, add leftover fish dish, and a few pats of butter…this way is even better than when made fresh the first time, it was for me anyway… ENJOY!

Reviews

[Bergy]

This is a very special recipe. The flavor from all the ingredients is wonderful. I used Basa filets - they are a very mild flavored fish. I did not use any buttter and it was still delicious. Even someone that hates fish will love this recipe. Lovely aroma while it is cooking. This will be a regular for us Thanks for posting

[UmmIbrahim]

I have made this a few times, and it is a HUGE hit with the whole family. Has a great blend of spice and a smooth flavor. We serve it with toasted Egyptian rice and fresh fruit. Makes a really great dinner, thanks for a nice recipe!