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Sayadeya (Egyptian Fish with Rice)

Sayadeya is a delicious and aromatic Egyptian dish that features fish cooked with rice in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish along the coastal regions of Egypt, where fresh fish is readily available. Sayadeya showcases the rich flavors of the sea combined with fragrant spices, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.

Ingredients

  • 500 grams white fish fillets (such as tilapia)
  • 2 cups rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. 1
    Rinse the fish fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them into medium-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. 2
    In a mixing bowl, combine the rice with enough water to cover it completely. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, then drain the water.
  3. 3
    In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  4. 4
    Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  5. 5
    Add the drained rice to the skillet and stir well to coat the rice with the onion and garlic mixture.
  6. 6
    Pour in the tomato sauce and add the ground cumin, ground paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine the ingredients and distribute the spices evenly.
  7. 7
    Place the fish fillets on top of the rice mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the dish simmer on low heat for about 20–25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the rice is tender.
  8. 8
    Once the fish and rice are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  9. 9
    Garnish the sayadeya with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the fish and rice.