Why do certain foods work well together ?

[whiffey]

A silly question I suppose, but I posted yesterday about smoked haddock, and I still don't think rice or pasta would sit comfortably on the plate with a lump of smoked haddock. On the other hand, smoked mackerel cries out for pasta. I suppose it's just the way it is, like lamb with mint, beef with horseradish.

I just bought some sea bass with roasted fennel and orange butter (Sainsbury's). I assume it works well - but who in the first place thought it would be a good idea to try this combination ? It puts me in mind of MasterChef.

[radiogaga]

hi.
my other half thinks smoked mackerel is a paupers fish?
and he thinks its only good for making pate with?
smoked haddock in batter with chips of course is amazing, we think.
sea bass baked in foil with leak and mushrooms is lovely with mashed potatoes.

[figure]

Whiffs, don't diss it unless you've tried it. My mum often cooks curry-fish and serves it with rice. This is a basic recipe I've just written. I know you cook so you can tailor it to suit. Questions - ask away or email me.

Curry Fish

1kg fresh fish fillet or slices of your favourite fish
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 sweet pepper, sliced
1 onion, chopped finely
2 tablespoons oil
1/2 cup water
A dash paprika
1/2 tablespoon cumin (optional)
Chilli pepper (optional)

Slice the fish fillets into two-inch steaks. In a saucepan over medium heat cook curry, onions, garlic, cumin and paprika for 2 to 3 minutes. Add green peppers, water and bring to a boil. Add the fish steaks. Lower heat, cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Do not stir.

Serve with rice and vegetables.

[figure]

Forgot to add - salt to taste.

[China Doll]

Not tried mackerel and pasta. I like peppered mackeral with rice. Mostly I eat fish with either salad or some greens, I rarely put anything stodgy with it.

[helliebobs]

Whiffey how was the sea bass? It's my favourite fish and it sounds gorgeous with fennel and orange :)

[mj8183]

mackerel with vinager over it and a nice jacket potato......mmmmmm

[whiffey]

I haven't had the sea bass yet, too busy sitting on my bum, but what interesting ideas !! Thank you all. I like the curry fish and might be able to cope with it even though it has ingredients and stuff like that and suggests more than minimal effort. I will try it, promise.

For fish, if you can find it, try halibut or turbot, absolutely exquisite.

[pastafreak]

A company like Sainsbury's will have developement kitchens solely for the purpose of testing out new ideas.....any new combination will go thru quite a lengthy process before being released as a new product. There are so may variables-ot just taste, but also texture and smell. As far as the combination of pasta and smoked mackerel....well it doesn't do a thing for me. But that is personal taste for you-I can just about bear smoked salmon and pasta.....it would never be a first choice.

[whiffey]

I've just eaten the bass with roasted fennel and orange butter, lightly fried for about 5 minutes, and served with mashed potato and chilled cherry tomatoes. It was bloody gorgeous.

[helliebobs]

Oh my god, it sounds devine whiffey, bet you didn't bloody save me any :(

[weeal]

NOW Im hungry ...

[jabe]

ok, smoked haddock risotto, with peas & spinach - fantastic combination of flavours,
sainsburys head of food development is a guy called blair smedhurst, used to be head chef at bluebird on the kings road and a fantastic cook.