Cookin’With Fiji In The Kitchen

Fiji and friends join us in the kitchen this week to cook up the following recipes.

FIJI BEER BATTER FRIED FISH

* 2 pounds white fish fillet
* 2 teaspoons lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon five spicepowder
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* 1 cup flour
* 6 ounces favorite lager beer
* 2 tablespoons water
* oil, for deep-frying

Cut fillets into 2 1/2-ounce portions and sprinkle with lemon juice, five spice powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a bowl, mix remaining salt, paprika and flour. Gradually stir in beer and water. Beat until batter is smooth. Dip fish into batter, drain slightly, then fry in hot oil at 350 degrees for about 5 to 7 minutes or until fish is brown and will flake easily.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot with tartar sauce and lemon wedges.

POTATO AND PEA SAMOSA

* 3 tablespoons salad oil
* 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
* 2 small chili peppers, minced
* 1 medium onion, finely diced
* 2 tablespoons minced garlic
* 2 teaspoons curry powder
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1/2 cup water
* 1 1/2 cups diced potatoes
* 1 box frozen green peas (10 ounces)
* salt, to taste
* 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
* 36 wonton wrappers
* egg wash
* oil, for deep frying

Heat oil in a pan, add the minced chili peppers and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the onion and cook until onion is translucent. Add the garlic, curry powder, turmeric, mustard powder and cumin powder; sauté for 1 minute. Add the water, potatoes and the green peas; sauté until the potatoes are cooked and the water has evaporated. Season with salt and add the cilantro. Set aside until cooled. In the meantime, separate the wonton wrappers. Arrange wrapper on a clean surface and place about a tablespoon of the pea and potato filling in the center of each wrapper. Brush the edges of the wrapper with the egg wash and fold in half to make triangular-shaped packets. Heat deep-frying oil and cook samosas until golden brown. Drain well on paper towels and serve hot with tamarind chutney.

For Tamarind Chutney:

* 2 cups tamarind
* 4 cups warm water
* 4 tablespoons salad oil
* 2 chili peppers, minced
* 1 medium onion, finely diced
* 2 teaspoons curry powder
* 3 cloves garlic, crushed
* 1 tablespoon grated gin-
* 1 cup sugar
* salt, to taste

Soak tamarind in warm water for 2 hours or until soft. Break up and squeeze the tamarind by hand until the seeds are loosened from the sacs. Strain through a large-hole strainer. Discard seeds and fiber. Heat oil in a heavy pot. Saute the chili peppers and onion until golden brown. Add curry powder, garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for 2 more minutes. Pour the tamarind juice along with the sugar into the pot, and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes or until the chutney thickens; stir frequently. Add salt to taste. Cool and store.