Samke Harra part2: Fish & Spiced Topping

2 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp Coriander Seeds
1 Tsp Cardamom Seeds
Pinch of Cayenne
½ Bunch parsley
2 Stalks Roasted Scallions
1 Lemon Zest
3 Clove Garlic
½ Cup Walnut Oil
Old Wife Fish (TriggerFish) ˣ

Let’s get started on part 2! Toast all of your spices in a pan on a medium to high heat. You have to constantly move them around in the pan so they don’t toast on just one side. Doing this helps to release the aromatics of the spices.Once they are finished take them out of the pan and let them cool down in a bowl or container.

Scallions, I love them so much. All of the recipes I have read on this dish had onions and to be honest if I could switch white or yellow onions with green ones, I will. Take the scallions and give them a rinse*, you want to make sure all of that dirt is gone. Season with salt and pepper, then drizzle with a bit of olive oil and put them in a pan and roast it for maybe ten minutes. Double check them after five, you don’t want them to burn to a crisp.


Now we are going to make the spiced topping.

Get your blender or food processor and add your parsley, scallions, oil, garlic, spices, lemon zest and a small amount of water if you are using a blender. The water will help get it going a little easier. A food processor is easier to do this with because it has a broader base.

While the topping is going, get your pan on a medium to high heat and lightly grease the pan with olive oil. Season your fish with salt and pepper in the meantime. The topping should be done; it doesn’t have to be smooth.

Place the fish in the pan, skin side down and turn the fire down to medium heat. If you can, lightly press on the fish with your fingers to prevent it from curling,  if not please use a small spatula. Don’t press the fish like you would a burger, it’s a delicate animal and should be treated  gently. It will spend most of its time on that side, this will guarantee a crispy skin. Once the flesh starts to look opaque flip it over briefly for a few seconds then take it off.    

Plate up your dish with whatever design you want. Be creative, have some fun. Make it look nice. Have a great dinner and go impress some friends.

ˣ If you can’t get trigger fish, then any white fish will do.
*Always wash your herbs as soon as you get them.