Fish in a Bowl

Kids I know who don't eat fish like this dish.  Why?  Because it looks unassuming so they are not afraid to try it.  Once they have taken a bite, they realize that it really does taste good.  Every child who eats rice has eaten this dish for me.  Using a mild white fish allows it to blend into the rice, introducing children to the flavor of fish without it being overpowering.  Increase the amount of fish as the child acquires a taste for it.

When it comes to cooking rice, in my opinion, the best way is to use a rice cooker.  It’s foolproof!  But, there were times that I wanted to challenge myself by making it from scratch.  It has always proven to be a gamble, often times with disastrous results…too crunchy, too dry, too wet, or too sticky.  I finally figured the method that worked best for me.  The trick is to use a heavy bottom pan with a tight fitting lid and just the right amount of heat.

Fish in a Bowl

 4 oz. haddock, pat dried

1/8 cup flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1 cup uncooked rice

2 cups water

1 tsp. olive oil

1 generous tbsp. margarine

Salt to taste

Bring water to a hard boil.  Turn heat down to medium low to low range.  Add rice and stir for 30 seconds.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  DO NOT OPEN LID!  Turn off heat, allow to sit for 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork. 

Combine flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder on a plate.  Dredge fish in flour mixture and pat off excess.  Heat a small frying pan on medium high heat and add olive oil.  Add fish and sear till golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side depending on thickness. 

Flake fish into fine pieces using two forks.  Stir into rice.  Season with margarine and salt to taste.