Saturday, August 25, 2012

Grilled Mahi with Sun-dried Tomato and Bacon Jam



As you may have noticed, it has been a while since my last post.  Really it has a lot to do with the fact that we started changing our eating habits quite a bit lately.  We recently cut out all grains, most dairy (except for cheese every now and then), refined carbohydrates and all refined sugar.  Our diet consists mostly of lean meats, fresh veggies and fruits, nuts seeds and coconut and olive oil.  We  are doing something similar to the Paleo diet, but we're not fully paleo as every now and again we eat beans and we're not eliminating dairy 100% just scaling WAY back.  All of this started because I have some serious food allergies, and a few health issues that I am trying to correct by modifying our diets.  I have been finding blogging difficult because I am still trying to figure out what works and what doesn't.  I've made a few really yummy dishes and this here is one of them. 

So far the diet is going well.  Every now and again i'll get a craving for something I can't have like bread or rice, but in all honesty, the cravings have subsided tremendously.  It was much harder in the beginning.  We have also been working out and I know that has been helping out too. I've lost a few pounds, but I've got a long way to go.  I find that he most challenging part of this diet is how expensive it is, and really if you're looking for convenience, then this might not be for you.  You basically have to cook and prep everything yourself because most things on grocery shelves have added sugars, soybean oil, corn additives and lots of other stuff that if you're like me, have allergies to, you'll have to omit or make yourself using allowable ingredients.  The other challenge is coming up with enough dishes in the rotation so that you don't get bored.  This is where planning has been crucial. I find that if I plan ahead, then I won't be scrambling at the last minute after a long day of work trying to figure out what to make.  I am still learning as I go, and if I come up with any recipes that are keepers i'll share on here.  

*disclaimer- I will refer to our new diet as Paleo even though we are not following it exactly.  It is just easier to refer to this way... and it is awfully similar, we're just not as strict with it as others.

Side note: We also don't eat pork or shellfish and the bacon I've used for years has been turkey bacon.  It never really quite tasted like the real thing, but it was the best substitute I could find.  That is, until I discovered beef bacon.  It tastes just like the real thing and is so delicious. We are so happy to have some bacon back in our lives!

Without further ado, here is the recipe for this dish:  I had mine with some spaghetti squash and B. had his with some Zucchini noodles.

For the Jam:
1 large onion finely diced
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
8 slices bacon (I used beef bacon)
1 pint baby bella mushrooms
1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup chicken stock
Salt and cracked pepper to taste

First, cook the bacon until crisp.  Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.  Reserve a little of the bacon fat and use that to saute the onions and garlic.  Next add the mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir all of the ingredients and cook until tender.  Next add the chicken stock and the balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.  Mix everything well and transfer to a serving bowl.

For the Fish:
2 pieces of Mahi fillets (use one fillet per person)
1 tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Add the oil to a non-stick pan and turn the pan up to medium high heat.  Make sure you pat the fish dry (this will ensure you get a nice sear on the fish).  Next season the fish with salt and pepper.  Place on the pan undisturbed for 2-3 minutes.  Season the other side of the fish and flip over.

Place a serving of the Jam on your plate.  Place the fish fillet on top of it and place a little more of the jam on top.  Serve with your favorite veggie.  I had some spaghetti squash and it went really well with this.  B. liked it with the zucchini since he doesn't care for spaghetti squash.  If you're not doing paleo you could serve this with rice, or pasta such as orzo or angel hair.

4 comments:

Kathy Steger said...

Trying something new and sticking with it is always tough. Best of luck. This look absolutely delicious.

Rox said...

Thanks Kathy! I appreciate it. So far so good, except for when I crave rice! lol.

Easy Diet Plus said...

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Brian Graves said...

This looks fantastic. I've been on Paleo now (from our discussions in KY) and I'm a fan. 3 pounds in the first week....probably all water. Loving it though. Last night I made butternut squash puree with garlic.....it was the BOMB! Service it with grilled asparagus and grilled sirloin. I eat blueberries for dessert...they are so yummy, and you just pop them like candy. Very satisfying. Another snack I like is raw sweet potatoes. Just cut them up like carrot sticks...they are quite good!

Take care. Love the blog. I did the facebook thing so I can see them again. Hope everything else is going well. Keep teaching us! :)


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