My family loves fish, especially tilapia. I saw this healthy recipe in Family Circle magazine and wanted to try it. I love recipes where the fish is coated in nuts and this one topped it off by adding one of my favorite foods-dark greens. The recipe called for Swiss Chard, but it was too expensive, so I substituted Kale. Funny side note- My hubby guessed what greens we were having! I couldn't believe that he correctly identified kale!
This fish was amazing. I was surprise at how much flavor the quick brushing of dijon mustard/fat-free mayo gave this fish, along with the dried basil and walnuts. It was really delicious. We used Tilapia loin filets from Costco, which are thicker then the typical fish filet. I think that added to the tastiness of the fish. I am so glad my kids love fish.
The barley pilaf is a recipe I remember my mom making when I was growing up. I reduced the amount of butter and it brought back some fun memories of being a kid. You can also add cooked chicken to the barley pilaf and turn it into a main dish.
You have got to try this fish- it was really, really good!
Walnut-Crusted Tilapia adapted from Family Circle Magazine
4 servings
Prep: 15 minutes Bake: 15 minutes Cook: 11 minutes
Ingredients
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 tilapia filets (about 6 ounces each) (I used Tilapia Loin, from Costco)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 bunches kale, stems removed and leaves cut into 1-inch pieces
Directions
1. Heat oven to 425°F. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Stir together mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of the mustard. Finely chop walnuts. Brush tilapia with mustard mixture, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon basil and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Press 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts onto one side of each fillet.
3. Place tilapia, walnut-side up, on baking sheet; bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
4. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook 4 minutes. Stir kale and season with salt and pepper. Saute for a few minutes and then cover and cook, until tender, about 6-8 minutes.
Barley Pilaf
1 1/3 cup regular barley
1 cup shredded carrot
4 oz. sliced mushroom
1 onion, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
2 Tbls unsalted butter
Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Add onion and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add barley, mushrooms, and shredded carrots, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add chicken broth and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and Cover. Cook for 45 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
Coming Tomorrow- Cheesecake Bars, 2 ways
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Walnut-Crusted Tilapia and Barley Pilaf
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15 comments:
That looks great Mary Ann, I am so in the mood for fish right now...I've been eating too much "meat" lately...time to lighten up! I hope to go to Costco this weeekend and stock up on some tilapia!
I've never thought of pairing fish and nuts! So cool and healthy :). I never would've guessed kale! Though I do love greens, sometimes it's impossible for me to tell them apart!
You know, my kids like fish as well, which surprises me because they are so picky. I've been too chicken (ha ha!) to cook fish much at home, but I need to start getting over that! You make this one sound really easy, and it is something we all would enjoy. It looks fabulous!
This sounds like a really tasty, healthy, well rounded meal. Thanks for sharing. That barley is so up my alley!
Thanks for sharing this look great.
Tilapia is a great fish! I love the crust..and the barley pilaf is the perfect side!
Isn't Tilapia just the easiest fish? I love it. Your dinner looks scrumptious.
Looks good! I think this would be a good coating for trout too!
For some reason I'm not a big cooked fish fan. I love raw fish though. give me sashimi any day.
The barley pilaf sounds yummy.
It sounds delicious. I love this!
Hey Mary Ann, I just wanted to say thank you so so much for allthe help you have given and kind comments on my blog so I left you some awards. Seriously, thank you very much!
This is my third time here just staring at your post and wishing that I could have some for dinnner. The only thing it lacks are those two way cheesecake bars that you are promising tomorrow. I need a Costco membership!
We don't get tilapia over here. I wonder could I use cod? That does look delicious. We had garlic crusted salmon filets for our dinner today, but your pictures have me wanting fish again!
I totally remember your mom making this! Yummy. Thanks for the recipe! When do you move???
Have I told you lately how much I love your blog? Instead of searching for a recipe in some book, I just come here type in what I want to use (this time it is tilapia) and just like magic I find the best tasting recipe. We are having walnut-encrusted tilapia tonight with swiss chard from the garden and barley pilaf. Thank you and I love you, Mom.
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