Cumin Paiche with Cucumber and Watermelon Salad

I'd never had paiche before, but when it popped up at Whole Foods I couldn't resist trying this new creation. Turns out, it's one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. It comes from South America and is also known as pirarucu or arapaima. It's mild in flavor, fairly firm, and cooks quite quickly. While it may not be particularly different from other white fish, it's still definitely worth trying at least once for the novelty!

I also made a cucumber watermelon salad which is absolutely perfect on a hot summer day. It's fresh, juicy, and tantalizing and the mint adds a spark of freshness that is completely irresistible. You'll find yourself eagerly gobbling it down, with the sweetness broken perfectly by the red onion, so definitely make extra if you're planning on leftovers!

Time: 20 min
Difficulty: medium-easy



Cumin Paiche
Time: 15 min

Ingredients:
1 tbsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp olive oil
1 lb paiche

Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the whole cumin seeds. Cook for 2 minutes or until they are lightly toasted. Stir often and keep a close eye to ensure they don't blacken or pop.

Remove the cumin seeds and put them in a coffee grinder or use a mortar and pestle. Grind the seeds. Add the black pepper and mix well.

Heat the pan over medium high heat. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat. Coat the paiche in the cumin-black pepper mixture until completely crusted. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked to your desired degree. Enjoy!

Servings: 2
Serving size: 1/2 lb fish
Nutrition: calories 257; carbs 2g; fat 6g; protein 51g; sodium 8mg; iron 2mg

Cucumber and Watermelon Salad
Time: 10 min

Ingredients:
3 c cucumber, chopped
5 c watermelon, 1" cubes
3/4 c red onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice

Put the cucumber, watermelon, and red onion in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the mint, cilantro, oil, and juice. Whisk until well combined. Drizzle over the watermelon mixture and toss until evenly coated. Enjoy!

Servings: 4
Serving size: about 2 cups
Nutrition: calories 106; carbs 21g; fat 3g; protein 2g; sodium 6mg; iron 5mg