Fillets of tilapia are stuffed with a tropical combination of mango, coconut, chilli and garlic, then dusted in semolina and fried until crisp in this beautiful, flavourful starter from Dayashankar Sharma. The pesto-dressed vegetables on the side are also given an Indian twist by replacing basil with coriander.
Cut each tilapia fillet in half, then cut a slit into the middle of each piece for stuffing. Rub the fish with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste and a pinch of salt, then squeeze over some lemon juice. Set aside for 5 minutes
Meanwhile, place the coconut, green chillies, garlic, coriander, mango and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth. Carefully stuff this mixture into the centre of each fish
Toast the semolina in a hot, dry pan for a few minutes until golden, then tip out onto a plate or tray. Leave to cool slightly, then press both sides of each fillet into the semolina to coat. Place in the fridge for at least 10 minutes
While you wait, make the pesto. Place all the ingredients (apart from the broccoli and asparagus) into a food processor or blender and blitz until smooth. Blanch the broccoli and asparagus in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and refresh in iced water. Roughly chop the vegetables, then dress them liberally with the pesto. Set aside
To make the mayonnaise, heat the oil in a pan over a medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and as soon as they begin to crackle add the garlic and cook until golden. Add the green chilli and ginger, cook for 1 minute, then add the curry powder and remove from the heat. Once cool, mix in the mayonnaise, season to taste and place in a squeezy bottle if you have one
To cook the fish, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Cook the fish on both sides until golden and crisp (around 5 minutes)
To serve, place 2 piece of fish on each plate and pipe or spoon a little curried mayonnaise on top. Arrange the pesto-dressed vegetables alongside, then garnish with the beetroot, radishes and sorrel
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