by Levana Kirschenbaum

I just love tilapia–delicious, economical, widely available, lean, nutritious. What more should we ask for? It’s wonderful on its own with a spray of oil and a sprinkle of your favorite spices. But if you want to add a kick, serve it along with some Harissa sauce. It’s for hot food lovers only! It leaves store-bought versions in the dust.

For the Fish

Ingredients:

Tilapia

Vegetable oil spray or olive oil

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375, spray the fillets on each side with vegetable spray and place them in a pan just large enough to fit. Bake about 20 minutes. OR

Heat a few drops olive oil in a skillet, and wehn it is very hot, add the fillets and saute 1-2 minutes on each side.

For the Harissa

Ingredients:

3/4 cup red pepper flakes

2 cups very hot water

1 bunch cilantro, stems off, about 1 cup tightly packed

1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled

1 cup olive oil

1 1/4 cups paprika

3 tablespoons cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Soak the pepper flakes in the water and set aside while you get all other ingredients ready.

2. Place all remaining ingredients in a food processor and grind fine.

3. Add red pepper flake mixture and grind a few more seconds. Makes about 3 cups. Serve alongside the tilapia.