Fish On Fridays

Now that it's Lent in some Christian religions, the faithful are observing some of customs and rites of the season. One is forgoing meat on Fridays and opting for fish . Doing such  will introduce home chefs to different kinds of fish and ways to cook them. It's a step up ,leading to a healthier diet,

Tilapia is a hot fish right now, even though it's been eaten for centuries. Originally called Saint Peter's fish It is high in Omega 6 and a good source of protein along with having the lowest levels of  mercury for any fish.It can be grilled or baked and is easy to prepare. Try it as a taco filling with cucumber relish or baked with a side of couscous. Tilapia can even be turned into panko crusted fish sticks , with a side of fries, Both can be baked instead of deep frying. Another tasty fish is the traditional cod.This is the kind used in making the traditional English dish fish and chips. As unhealthy as the dish is, it is sheer heaven in taste when it has a thick crispy crust and deep fried. Use British beer in the batter for an authentic taste and have plenty  of malt vinegar for dousing. If you want something lighter, then try it sautéed  in an easy lemon sauce .Serve with a green salad and it makes for a nice , healthy dinner.

For more ambitious home chefs  there is boulliabaisse, the famed French  Provencale fish stew.It has clams, shrimp and fish  fillets cooked with different spices such as bouquet garni and saffron for half an hour , There is also the added prep of sautéing onions and pepper too for the mix as well Making the stew is worth all the labor because it's one of the most delicious seafood dishes out there.if you want exotic but without all the work there is Chilean sea bass.This toothy prehistoric looking fish has been a top player on the culinary scene for the past quarter century. It's tasty cooked filet style in a simple salt and pepper crust with a white wine sauce.It is also good pan seared with mushrooms in a Marsala wine sauce.Ofcourse there is tuna fish, the easy go to . This can be made into a simple salad Nicoise with fresh veggies and hard boiled eggs.It can also be used in a tuna and herbed rice salad as well. Always used the Italian imported one in oil as opposed to the American canned one in water.It's more flavorful and has a silkier texture.

You can observe Lenten Fridays with a traditional fish dinner,It;s a great way of introducing the family to seafood and different , fun recipes.They may want seafood all year round then, instead of just during Lent,