Catfish Fillets with Egyptian Tahini Sauce

1 garlic clove
1/4 cup well-stirred tahini
1/3 cup water
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons coriander seeds
two 6-ounce catfish fillets
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leafed parsley leaves

Coarsely chop garlic and in a blender purée with tahini, water, lemon juice, cumin, and salt until smooth.

Using the flat side of a large knife coarsely crush coriander seeds. Pat catfish dry and season with salt and pepper. In a 10-inch nonstick skillet heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and sauté fish 2 minutes. Turn fish over, sprinkling crushed coriander around it, and sauté 2 minutes more, or until just cooked through. Divide tahini sauce between 2 plates and top with fish, crushed coriander and oil from skillet, and parsley.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Serves: 2

Source: Gourmet, August 1999, Epicurious.com

Prepared by: Stacey for February 2000 meeting