Baliq Kebab with Fragrant Rice

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fish fillets (such as salmon or trout) 500g (1.1 lb) fish fillets (such as salmon or trout)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (200g) basmati rice 1 cup (200g) basmati rice
• 2 cups (470ml) water 2 cups (470ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving Lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the vegetable oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Cut the fish fillets into kebab-sized pieces and coat them with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Meanwhile, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice.
4. 4.
   In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, ground turmeric, and saffron threads. Stir well, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. 5.
   While the rice is cooking, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated fish onto skewers.
6. 6.
   Grill the fish kebabs for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
7. 7.
   Serve the Baliq Kebabs on a bed of fragrant rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Choose fresh fish fillets with firm flesh for the best results. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use white fish like cod or haddock instead of salmon or trout.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the fish kebabs in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the kebabs before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Baliq Kebabs with fragrant rice as the main course of a delicious Uzbek feast. Accompany it with a side of cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled fish kebabs on a platter, placing them on top of the fragrant rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the kebabs.