Cooking on the Beach: Super Summer Suppers!

For some strange reason, I enjoy fish for dinner in the summertime.  Yes, I really said that.  Don’t be too concerned, however, since I still don’t like lobster and you’ll never catch me smashing a crawfish out of its shell.  But whatever the reason, I have found that I enjoy a light summer supper of fish and veggies.  I guess it makes me dream of the beach, and those cool ocean breezes.

So here’s a great supper recipe that uses lots of fresh veggies to make an easy supper that takes only a few moments to whip together.  And in our family it’s gotten the kid seal of approval as well, so it’s a sure winner!

FISH AND VEGGIES PRIMAVERA

Recipe from Taste of Home Quick Cooking Annual Recipes 1999

1 T margarine or butter, melted (I use SmartBalance sticks)

4 fresh or frozen fish fillets (I use tilapia, but you can substitute orange roughy, cod, or haddock)

2 T lemon juice

pinch pepper

1 garlic clove, minced

1 T olive oil

1 1/2 C broccoli florets

1 C cauliflowerets

1 C julienned carrots

1 C sliced fresh mushrooms

1/2 C sliced celery

1/4 t dried basil

1/4 t salt

1/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

Place margarine in a 13″x9″x2″ baking dish; add fish and turn to coat.  Sprinkle with lemon juice and pepper.  Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, saute garlic in oil.  Add the remaining veggies and seasonings; stir-fry until veggies are crisp-tender, about 2-3 minutes.  Spoon over the fish; sprinkle with cheese.

Bake, uncovered, at 450 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional analysis: 232 calories, 434 gm sodium, 39 mg cholesterol, 7 gm carbohydrate, 29 gm protein, 10 gm fat

Side Note: I have used a 12-16 oz. bag of frozen cauliflower/broccoli cuts in place of the fresh when I am in a pinch.  Just saute’ a little longer to be sure the frozen veggies thaw completely and cook up a little before baking.