One Pot Wonder Fish and Rice

Fluffy rice loaded up with tender veggies in every flavorful spoonful and topped with flaky fish.   This has been a weeknight hip pocket dish in our home for a long time.  It involves quick cooking fish, so it can be ready in 20 minutes which is pretty much a dinner prerequisite during a busy work day.  This is also pretty budget friendly since rice, tilapia (you can use any firm white fish) and most vegetables are inexpensive.

I absolutely love that you can basically throw in whatever you have and make a fabulous meal of it.   Want Tex-Mex?  Add chili powder and cumin and perhaps toss in some black beans and corn.  ​

Simple ingredients. I used a can of Rotelle tomatoes in this (using what I had on hand)

Want Middle Eastern?  Add Ras El Hanout(a fabulous middle eastern spice blend) or a bit of turmeric with some golden raisins and salty, briny olives.  ​

Just about there & waiting for the fish

This is such a family favorite & great to pull off on.  super busy weeknight,, but I wouldn't hesitate to serve this to company as well.  It's super adaptable to what you have on hand.

Once you place that fish on top, all that's left is to cover and let the fish cook through until it's flaky & perfect.  It onlt takes a few minutes from here before you're digging in.

Just yum □

One Pot Wonder Fish & Rice

Ingredients:
4 small or 2 large tilapia filets (you can also use other firm white fish or shrimp). I used flounder for this that last time I made it.
1 cup rice, such as Jasmine
1/2 onion , chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 14 oz can chopped tomatoes (I love the fire roasted kind or Rotelle Tomatoes for some spice)
2 cups liquid such as white wine, chicken broth or even beer.    I like half broth and half wine, but you can certainly leave out the wine if you like.
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Sea salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Any add ins that you want like mushrooms, zucchini, sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, corn.  Get creative.  This part is all up to you and also a great way to clear out the fridge.

Seasoning of choice-
1 Tablespoon Ras El Hanout gives the Middle Eastern vibe.  
1 Tablespoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon  cumin will lend more of a tex-Mex feel
1 Tablespoon garam masala can take you to India.  

Such fun to experiment and see what your family likes best.

Small handful chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (but also adds great flavor)


Instructions:
In a medium to large skillet over medium heat saute the rice briefly.  
Stir in onions and mushrooms if you’re using, then add the tomatoes and liquid of choice.  

Add salt, pepper, seasonings of choice and garlic then cover a cook for 5 minutes.

Add zucchini or any other vegetables you might be using.  Cover and cook for another 3 minutes until the veggies become tender and the rice begins to absorb the liquid,

Place fish filets on top, gently snuggling them into the rice.  Season with some additional salt and pepper and cover for an additional 5-8 minutes depending not he thickness of your fish.  

Uncover, sprinkle with parsley or cilantro and serve.