Rum-spiked Grilled Pomfret with Yemeni spice mix

Today is another special day. It is my Baba's birthday. Like every day, Baba woke up at six in the morning, had his tea, did his yoga, took a bath..by the time I woke up he had finished his bowl of cereals and fruits, He was his usual workaday self, moving about the house with the airs of the busiest man on earth. Between mouthfuls of cereals he checked his phone, time and again. Usually his phone begins to ring at 7 in the morning and rings almost non stop till midnight. He usually grumbles about it, today he was missing it. Finally he brought out his ironed shirt and trouser and then stopped. Thank God" I muttered. He had finally remembered that today was a holiday, he didn't have to go to work. 

Anyway since dad was going to be home, I decided to cook him a good meal for lunch. My Ma is away at her cousin's place. She had promised to be back by yesterday, but couldn't. We are a little angry with her, we missed her. Dad said it was ok, there have been times when he wasn't around on her birthday, not to mention the times he had forgotten to wish her, a hint of mischief in his eyes. Ma is still feeling guilty though, however she is happy the shirt he had bought him and had kept in my custody has fit him fine. Anyway, about the lunch. So, my father loves fish, and this isn't the first time I am mentioning his obsession with fish. I wonder if it's providential that my Mum is a Piscean..errhh.whatever. Anyway, I decided I am going to treat him to fish specialties only. I made him his favourite fish fry, fish marinated with garlic, ginger, onion, coriander, mint and a few spices, coated in breadcrumbs ad fried followed by a spicy prawn curry with a special spice, a recipe I shall share soon, and some grilled pomfret.

 

My father loves pomfret. And I often make him spiced and rilled pomfret. Today I wanted to make something special. Awhile ago I came across this  Yemeni spice mix called Hawayij. I had made some at home and was waiting to use it in a dish, So I decided to use it today. I marinated the fish with some garlic, mint and Hawaij. Then on a whim I spiked the arinade with some rum. And then grilled the fish to perfection. The result was delightful. Here's sharing the recipe with you. 

Ingredients 

Pomfret - 2 whole (washed and cleaned)
Minced garlic - 1 tbsp
Minced mint leaves - 1 tsp
Cumin powder - 1/4 tsp
Hawaij - 1.5 tsp (see recipe)
Vinegar - 3 tbsp
Dark rum - 2 tbsp
Salt to taste
Onion rings and lemon wedges to serve

Method

Take each fish and with a knife make three gashes on either side of the fish.

Sprinkle salt on either side, generously, and rub well.

In a bowl, take vinegar, minced garlic,  hawaij, cumin, mint paste and salt to taste and mix well. Add rum and oil to the mixture and whisk well

Add the fish o the marinade and with your hands lace each fsh with the marinade. Keep aside for an hour.

In a pre heated oven grill the fish for 30 minutes at 200 degree centigrade, basting with marinade a few time, and turning the fish over once mid way.

Serve with onion and mint salad and a squeeze of lemon.