Melo-Drama, Bollywood & Fish...

Scene:

I have my hair clipped up and sort of coming down at the sides.  My eyes feel heavy and tired.  The muscles in my neck and shoulders are so tight.  In the background, you hear an Indian soap opera playing on TV, because the truth is that I'm hooked on Bollywood.  

I have no idea what they're saying for the most part, yet I watch the soaps and own a DVD collection.

Like the Spanish soap operas that many of us Latinas have grown up with, they are full of drama, suspense, over-exaggerated facial expressions, unbelievable fashions, cleavage & lots of make-up.  At any given moment, someone may break out into song and dance.  Often, the themes center around love, hate, passion and forbidden love.  And all of those things, orbit around a secretly dysfunctional family dynamic.

Sound familiar to anyone?

Bole Chudiyaan (Hindi Video & Dance)

One of my favorites.  My daughter, my niece and I can sing every lyric (and have no idea what we're saying..)

Maybe, just maybe life seems like a little bit of a let-down, or disappointment at times when you grow up watching such intense story-lines and drama.  It took me a long time to find pleasure in life's ordinary moments rather than a flashy display of grandiose emotion.

Keep your expensive gifts, and dramatic displays.  Instead, hold my hand, push my hair away when it falls in my face.  Share the silence with me and let it resonate emotions that don't even need to be said.

Yes, it would seem that it took years to un-do all of the expectations that those Spanish Novelas weaved in my adolescent mind.  What makes love powerful is the gem that lays hidden in the bond between souls, not the display case. Sometimes that bond transcends time, and distance.  It's how loyal we choose to remain to that feeling, and how we choose to honor it.

On the up-side, I'm entranced by most things exotic and take so much pleasure in watching Bollywood movies or novelas.  The colors, the language, the dance..  You've probably guessed that my kitchen is subject to this same passion.  I enjoy taking something simple and giving it an exotic flair.

I want to romance your palate, and your senses.

Recently, I had my friends over for some much needed girl-time.  I decided to make what I call Caribbean Curry Fish on a bed of Jasmine rice and some fresh, hot Roti on the side.  The taste of the curry fish sauce and fresh veggies and herbs, tingled your lips and dance in your mouth.  So good!

Girl-time on the porch

Next time you're feeling adventurous, break out in song and dance like a Bollywood movie, and give this dish a try...

Caribbean Curry Fish (Sofrito-Style)

Swai Fillet washed in water and a little vinegar 

 On a large piece of aluminum foil, drizzle olive oil, a squeeze of lime and pepper, sprinkle garlic powder & a small amount of sea-salt.

Place the filet that sheet of aluminum foil, and drizzle olive oil, a squeeze of lime and pepper, sprinkle garlic powder & a small amount of sea-salt- this time on top of the fish.

  Surround filet with fresh spinach leaves

Lightly cover the filet with good quality curry powder to taste.  

I like a lot...

Add in fresh-grated ginger

  Add hot pepper or sauce (optional)

   Cover the filet entirely with red onion, multil-colored peppers, and mushrooms

   Top off with fire-roasted red peppers

.   Wrap & seal aluminum foil, cook in oven for about 35 minutes

   When ready, top off with a slice of fresh lemon and chopped cilantro , rosemary and basil.

Serve with a side of steaming jasmine rice and roti.