Quick Tilapia Salad

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 medium tilapia fillets, cut into 4 pieces each
• 1 tbsp smokehouse seasoning mix (I used McCormick Smokehouse Maple)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 5-6 cups baby romaine lettuce
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced into 4 parts
• 1 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1 large tomato, seeded, chopped
• vinaigrette dressing 

Heat oil in a skillet. Sprinkle both sides of each tilapia fillet with the seasoning. Fry until the fish is white and lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side. Season to taste. Divide the lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, black olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes between 4 plates. Top the salad on each plate with the tilapia pieces. Serve with the dressing on the side.

__________________________________________________________________________

Russian "Mimoza" Salad With Canned Salmon, Eggs and Cheese

Mimoza is the first spring flower to bloom in Southern Russia (the Caucasus Mountains by the Black Sea) at the beginning of March. This is a traditional flour to present to ladies on March 8, International Women's Day. One of the most popular Russian salads is also called Mimoza due to its stunning resemblance with the flower. It's made with canned salmon, rice, hard-boiled eggs, onions, and cheese. And dill... let us not forget the dill! The recipe isn't Russian if it doesn't call for this humble herb. During the USSR times canned fish and eggs was probably the only food that could be found in stores easily. Creative Russian homemakers learned how to make beautiful dishes with very simple products. This is one of those creative recipes that became one of the most popular dishes in the entire country. I dare you to try it and surprise your guests!

This is a layered salad. You will be spreading each ingredient on a flat dish. Some layers will be spread with mayonnaise. You will finish the salad by grating the egg and sprinkling it over the top of the salad. It's beautiful, tasty, and very filling!

• 1 15 oz can salmon, drained, flaked
• salt and pepper to taste
• mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup rice, cooked
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 3/4 cup Gouda cheese, grated (any semi-soft classic cheese will work for this recipe. Even Mozzarella!)
• 4 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled (3 eggs diced, 1 egg grated)
• fresh dill for garnish

Lay out the salmon on a flat dish. Season to taste. Spread about 1 1/2 tbsp mayonnaise over the salmon. Create the second layer by spreading the rice over the salmon layer. Once again spread about 1 1/2 tbsp mayo over the rice. Sprinkle with a litle bit more salt. Lay out diced cucumbers and diced onions as two separate layers. Spread a little bit of mayo over the onions. Use your hands to gently press on the salad to make sure the form is round. Use grated cheese to create the next layer. Lay 3 diced eggs on top of the cheese layer. Grate the fourth egg on top of the salad. Sprinkle with dill for garnish. Your salad is ready. Приятного аппетита!

Cilantro Salmon Burger

Growing up in Russia, we never knew burgers. It's not a typical way of making food there. McDonald's came to Russia in 1990, but I was living a few thousand miles away from it in a city that would welcome the American fast food restaurant only 13 years later. When I was 16 I took a trip to Moscow and had my first burger ever. I was immediately in love and addicted. Since then burgers have been my favorite food. After I cut meat out of my diet, I became a bit depressed... until I figured out many different ways of cooking meatless patties that are tasty and juicy and remind me of why I fell in love with burgers in the first place.

This juicy salmon burger is amazingly flavory: cilantro, garlic, red peppers, and red onions go so well together. I have even added a tiny piece of Russia to this recipe- dill! Everything in the motherland is cooked with dill :)

Burger patties (makes 8 patties) 

• 2 salmon fillets, thawed, finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 tsp dried dill 
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 egg
• salt and pepper to taste
• olive oil for frying
• additional flour to help you make the actual patties

Cilantro sauce

• 1/2 cup mayo (I use Veganaise)
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Serve with:

• whole wheat rolls, buns, or pitas
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• fresh cucumbers
• fresh red onions

In a medium bowl combine salmon, peppers, onions, garlic, bread crumbs, cilantro, red pepper flakes, dill, and flour. Mix well. Add egg and season to taste. Mix everything very well.

On a cutting board or prep table, spread a little bit of flour. This will prevent the burger patties stick to the surface. Before making every patty, use some flour to cover your hands with. With your hands, create 1/2-inch thick patties. Sprinkle just a little bit of flour on both sides.

Heat up olive oil in a large skillet. On medium fry burger patties for about 5-8 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.

Prepare the cilantro sauce by combining mayo, lemon juice, and fresh cilantro.

Serve on a whole wheat roll with the sauce and vegetables. Enjoy!
____________________________________________________________

Tuna Salad with Fresh Basil and Lemon

Ingredients

This recipe is extremely easy and will come in handy if you eat as much tuna as I do and look for new ways to serve it. This salad has a wonderful lemon-basil twist to it. Serve it as a side dish or on a roll as a sandwich. This recipe will serve 2 people.

• 1 12-oz can tuna, drained, flaked
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
• 2 tsp lemon juice

Combine tuna, bell pepper, onions, celery, and herbs in a bowl. In a separate bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir the mayo mixture into the salad. You're done! Easy peasy.
______________________________________________________
Inspired by a recipe found in "Salads", Metro Books, p. 90.

Moroccan Boulettes in Spicy Sauce

This is a very fun way to cook your fish.. Moroccan style! Traditionally, Morocco is famous for saffron, a flavorful herb from this country. You can add a pinch of it to the fish balls if you have some. If you don't, be prepared to spend $15-20 for just a pinch of it.

You'll need:

• 1 lb any white fish fillet(cod, sea bass, etc), skinned deboned 
• 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 white breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• salt
• ground pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garilc gloves, minced
• 5 tomatos, chopped
• 1 Serrano pepper, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups of water
• juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1 tsp thyme 
• salt 
• pepper

Cut the fish fillets into very small pieces, add parsley, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice. Mix everything well. Use a food processer if you have one. Using your hand, create small balls the size of a walnut. Place them on a plate and set aside.

To prepare the sauce, place all of the sauce ingredients is a medium sized sauce pan. Bring to boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and thyme.

Place the fish balls into the sauce pan and simmer for 15 more minutes or until the fish balls are fully cooked.

Serve with lemon juice and fresh parsley!
__________________________________________________________

Inspired by a recipe from "Around the World in 350 Recipes." I highly recommend this book if you love international cooking.

Paula Deen's Salmon Salad

Sometimes it gets boring to have another baked salmon for our "fish" day. No more borning fish days. I found this fun recipe for an ultimately healthy protein-full meal and we loved it. A bit of cayenne pepper gives it a nice kick. You can either serve the salad over lettuce or as a sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, flakes salmon
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, crushed
• 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup chopped red onions
• 3-4 tbsp mayo
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 lemon, juiced

In a large bowl, gently toss together the salmon and crushed hard-boiled eggs. In another bowl, combine bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and mayonnaise. Add seasonings and stir to combine. Pour mixture over salmon add lemon juice, and toss lightly to combine.

Thanks for the recipe go to Paula Deen, http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/salmon-salad-recipe/index.html

Ksenia's Fish Tacos

This is my new favorite way of making fish tacos. It's light, healthy, but very filling. To prepare 2 servings you will need:

• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 4 large radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
• 2 leaves lettuce, thinly chopped
• 1/2 15 oz can black olives
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup you favorite salsa
• 1 lime, cut in half
• 1/4 of a butter stick

Fish

• 4 tilapia fillets
• 1 lime or lemon, juiced
• 3 tbsp Blackened or Cajun seasoning (you can add more in you want more flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil

1. You will first need to fry the tortillas. Grease frying pan with a little bit of butter. Fry one side of a tortilla for about 20 seconds, flip, and fry the other side for 20 seconds. Keep them warm. Tortilla warmers work great. You can also substitute butter for olive oil, if you're going extra healthy.

2. Now it's your fish turn!  Cut each fish fillet into 4 smaller pieces. Warm up olive oil in a frying pan. Add tilapia, sprinkle with lime/lemon juice and fry on medium gradually adding the seasoning until it's tender and flakey. Optional: you can also add garlic powder, thyme, and celery flakes for more flavor. You can also add a little bit of Cayenne pepper if you like your food a little more spicy.

3. To serve, place fish and desired toppings on tortilla. Squeeze lime juice over them. Fold and try not to be too messy! 

Blackened Tilapia

This is another quick and easy way to make your fish. I use this recipe for fish tacos and as a main dish and serve it with rice and fresh veggies. It's juicy and very savory.

You'll need:

4 tilapia fillets

1 lime or lemon, juiced

3 tbsp Blackened or Cajun seasoning (you can add more in you want more flavor)

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 tbsp olive oil

Optional: you can also add garlic powder, thyme, and celery flakes for more flavor. You can also add a little bit of Cayenne pepper if you like your food a little more spicy. 

Use while fillets if you're serving them as main dish. Cut them in smaller pieces if you're using them for fish tacos. Warm up olive oil in a frying pan. Add tilapia, sprinkle with lime/lemon juice and fry on medium gradually adding the seasoning until it's tender and flakey. 

__________________________________________________________________

Жареная Рыбка в Южном Стиле

Вам понадобиться: 

4 филе вашей любимой белой рыбы

сок одного лимона

3 ст. ложки оливкового масла

1/2 ч. ложки соли

1/2 ч. ложки молотого черного перца

Приправа:

3 ст. ложки любой приправы для рыбы, содержащей паприку. Либо: смешайте паприку, чесноковый порошек, луковый порошек, тимьяна, базилик, и орегано. Можно добавить немного жгучего перца, если хочется поострее, но не переборщите :) 

Нагрейте сковороду и добавьте масла. Добавьте рыбу и залейте ее лимонным соком. Постепенно вводите приправу, переворачивая рыбу с одного бочка на другой. Жарить до готовности на среднем огне. Подавать с рисом и свежими овощами. 

Baked Costa Rican-Style Tilapia with Pineapple, Black Beans, and Rice

Ladies, this recipe that I found on Food Network is delicious and healthy. Fish is probably my most favorite food.. and french fries, of course. Garlic, cilantro, limes, and pineapple make this dish absolutely irresistible.

You'll need:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 (5-7 ounce) tilapia fillets
• 2 cups jarred or homemade tomato salsa
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
• 2 limes, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. Cook rice in chicken broth. I used my favorite rice cooker. After using a rice cooker, I will never go back to making rice on the stove.

2. Prepare marinade. Mix orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl. Place tilapia fillets into a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Make sure all fish is covered. Leave in the fridge for 20 minutes

3. Preheat your oven to 400F.

4. Combine rice with salsa, black beans, and pineapple in a casserole dish. Mix well. Place tilapia fillets on top of rice. Pour the marinade over the fish and rice. Put lime slices on top of fillets. Bake until fish is tender and flakey, usually about 20-25 minutes.

The original recipe is posted here:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ingrid-hoffmann/baked-costa-rican-style-tilapia-with-pineapples-black-beans-and-rice-recipe/index.html
_________________________________________________________________

Рыба запеченная по Kоста-Рикански с ананасом, черной фасолью, и рисом

Девочки, предлагаю вам попробывать совершенно чудесный рецепт рыбы в Латино-Американском стиле. Простой и здоровый, и самое главное необычный.

Вам понадобится:

• 1 стакан риса
• 1 банка куриного бульона
• 1/4 стакана свежевыжатого апельсинового сока (я взяла апельсин, и руками из него все что могла выжала :)
• сок 1 лайма либо лимона
• 2 ст. ложки оливкового масла
• пучок свежей кинзы, мелко порезанной
• 2 головки чеснока, мелко порезанного
• 1 ч. ложка сахара
• Соль и черный перец, по вкусу
• 4 филе вашей любимой белой рыбы
• 1.5 стакана помидорной сальсы (либо салата из помидор, перчиков, лука, и тд в банке, типа рагу. Также если этого нет, можно заменить просто на хороший томатный соус) 
• 1 банка черной фасоли (либо можно заменить на красную фасоль, если нет черной)
• 2 стакана мелко порезанного ананаса (я готовила со свежим т.к. он у нас сейчас более или менее дешевый. Если свежего нет, можно использовать консервированный)
• 2 лайма либо один лимон, порезанного на круглешки

1. Сварите рис, но вместо воды используйте куриный бульон

2. Приготовьте маринад для рыбы. Смешайте апельсиновый, лимонный (или лайм) соки, оливковое масло, кинзу, чеснок, сахар, соль и черный перец в емкости. Хорошо перемешайте. Добавьте филе рыбы. Убедитесь что она вся покрыта маринадом. Оставьте в холодильнике на 20 минут.

3. Разогрейте духовку до 200C

4. В емкости для запекания смешайте готовый рис, ананас, фасоль, и томатный соус (сальсу). Хорошо перемешайте. Поместите филе рыбы по верх риса. Залейте оставшимся маринадом. На каждое филе поместите кусочек лимона либо лайма. Запекайте примерно 20-25 минут до полной готовности рыбы.

Gourmet Tuna Fish Sandwich

This recipe will turn the world of tuna fish sandwiches upside down! I can't get enough of it. It's filling. It's healthy. It's delicious.

To make this juicy sandwich you'll need:

1 can tuna

4 rolls, cut

6 lettuce leaves, cut in smaller pieces

2 small tomatoes, sliced

3 hard boiled eggs, sliced

2 small cans of olives

3 radishes, sliced

green onion, chopped (optional)

1 red onion, finely chopped

4 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp salt or to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

juice of one lemon

• Combine onion with olive oil, red-wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands squeeze the mixture for a few minutes letting the onion juice to release. This is the key moment! 
• Add tuna and lemon juice to the onion mixture. Mix everything well.
• Place rolls on plates and spread each side of the roll with lettuce leaves. Add tuna mixture. Top with tomatoes, eggs, olives, green onions (optional), and radishes.
• Your gourmet sandwich is done!

____________________________________________________________________

Бутерброд с тунцом для гурманов

1 банка тунца

4 булочки, порезанные на половинки

6 листов салата

2 помидорки

3 яйца, сваренных вкрутую

2 маленькие баночки маслин, порезанных

3 редиски, нарезанных на кружочки

свежий  зеленый лук (не обязательно)

1 красный лук, мелко порезанный

4 ст. ложки оливкового масла

3 ст. ложки уксуса из красного вина

1/2 ч. ложку соли

1/2 ч. ложку черного перца

сок выжатый из 1 лимона

• Лук смешать с оливковым маслом, уксусом, солью и перцем. Руками смесь перемешать и подавить несколько минут, чтобы из лука выделился сок. Это самый главный момент приготовления бутерброда! 
• Добавить тунец и лимонный сок. Все хорошо перемешать. 
• Обе половинки булочки покрыть несколькими кусочками салата, затем тунцовой смесью. Дальше добавить помидоры, яйца, маслины, зеленый лук, и редиску. Соединить половинки булочки и аккуратно прижать. 
• Ваш уникальный бутерброд готов :)