Fried Fish & Zucchini With Spicy Tomato Sauce

Submitted by FDADELKARIM

"This attractive, spicy fish dish is very popular in Tunisia. Small cubes of salted eggplant can be substituted for the zucchini."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 16
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 4 fish fillets (flounder or sole)
• salt & pepper
• 2 lemons
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 3 zucchini, about 5 inches long
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 2 cups canned tomato sauce
• 1⁄2 - 1 teaspoon harissa (depends on how spicy you want it)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• canola oil, for frying

directions

1. Wash & dry the fish fillets, season with salt & pepper then sprinkle with the juice of 1 lemon, set aside. Mix the flour, bread crumbs, & paprika together in a bowl.
2. Peel the zucchini & slice into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan. Coat the zucchini with the flour mixture then fry on both sides until brown. Place on a plate covered with paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. In the same oil cook the onion until soft. Add the tomato sauce, harissa, garlic, salt & pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the juice of the remaining lemon to the tomato sauce.
4. While that is cooking heat 1/2 inch of canola oil in a skillet. Dip the fish fillets in the flour mixture, beaten egg, & in flour mixture again. Fry in the hot oil until the fish is done, should be flaky. Drain on paper towels.
5. Place the fish & zucchini in a shallow serving dish & top with the sauce.

Reviews

[Michelle_My_Belle]

This was the first fish dish I've ever tried to pass off onto the family. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with how good it really was. I followed the recipe exactly except to omit the harissa since kids would be eating. Served with a side of recipe #314462 which tasted GREAT dipped in the tomato sauce. Even tho I'd be more likely to use chicken next time, the recipe is still a keeper!

 

[Luschka]

This was a lovely dish. I'm not normally a fan of white fish, but the spiciness and a flavour of the tomato really makes up for it. It's a pretty looking dish and the zucchini balances the meal really well. Served with rice or pasta or on thickly sliced fresh bread, this is a lovely meal. Reviewed for photo tag 2008