MASGOUF: IRAQI TAMARIND AND TURMERIC MARINATED FISH

Step 1

If not already butterflied, take your whole fish and cut it lengthwise down the belly. Keep the back intact, and spread both parts of the fish open to create one flat, connected piece. (Alternatively, you can ask your fishmonger to pre-butterfly the fish for you)

Step 2

Place the fish into an oven-safe baking dish (cast iron works best), and set aside for the time being

Step 3

Next, take a small bowl and mix together your olive oil, dissolved tamarind paste, turmeric powder, salt and pepper. Mix well until you have a marinade with a smooth, even consistency to it

Step 4

Spoon or brush your marinade over the outside of your fish, then open the fish to lay flat and generously marinade the inside

Step 5

Cover the fish and let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes while you tend to the tomato topping

Step 6

Take a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat with a healthy dollop of olive oil

Step 7

Start by adding in your minced garlic and onions, and cook for 1-2 minutes as it starts to sweat and become translucent

Step 8

Next, add in your tomato paste and cherry tomatoes, and cook together for another 1-2 minutes

Step 9

Follow this by adding in your turmeric, ginger, curry powder, dried parsley leaves and black pepper and mix well. Once well mixed, cook everything for another 6-7 minutes over a medium heat as the tomatoes begin to soften

Step 10

Turn off the heat at this point and add in your lemon juice. Stir the lemon juice in well into the sauce and then let your sauce sit until your fish is finished baking

Step 11

By now, your fish will have marinated well and will be ready for the “makeshift masgouf” cooking. Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit

Step 12

Sprinkle a little extra sea salt (for good luck) over your butterflied marinated fish, and place it in the oven for 35 minutes

Step 13

After 35 minutes, take your fish out ever so briefly. Hopefully it appears flaky, at which point you can drizzle some of the tomato curry sauce on top of fish

Step 14

Turn on the broiler and broil the fish for another 2 minutes, then you’re done. Alternatively, you could also bake it for another 5 minutes at the same heat