Grilled Red Mullet & Lemon Paprika Skewers With Arugula

To be a vegetarian or not? My husband and I had been discussing frequently about becoming vegetarians. He has been contemplating a lot lately about switching his diet and I, on the other hand, told him that I cannot do it even if I would like to. Willpower is the name of the game and on the first step, I know I will already lose.

I love food, different kinds and I cannot limit myself to just one side of the food pyramid. I try to eat a balanced diet of meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and that affects what I feed my family, the kids especially. It's a universal thing that kids evade green, healthy food and both my kids are in that same line. It's hard to make them eat what we think is the proper diet that in the end, we tend to just give them what they want. I'm also human. I give in to their whims.

Imagine (would-be) vegetarian parents feeding two kids who eat everything BUT anything green.We will definitely have a major problem in the kitchen there. I am not really up for that. And it's impossible for me to go through a lifetime without fish! Between meat and fish, I would go for the latter without missing a beat. We all have our preferences at home. Mine is fish, especially the small variety which never disappoints me in taste. 

Red mullet, in spite of being spiny, is one of my favorite fish. I love its taste, texture and versatility. With these simple skewers, the lemon and paprika work together in taking out new flavors that are really outstanding. It's one of the dishes that I recommend for people like me who love healthy and tasty food.

Being certified and protected with the Guarantee of Origin, the smoked paprika of La Vera, Spain (Pimenton de la Vera) is one of the best that I have tried. I use paprika a lot but I found that the ones from La Vera have very distinct and strong smoky flavor. The Spanish La Chinata is one of the producers of Pimenton de la Vera which I am using now in my cooking.

I hope you enjoy one of my favorite fish recipes. Enjoy your weekend! 

 

Grilled Red Mullet & Lemon Paprika Skewers With Arugula

Ingredients:

Serves 2

• 2 lemons
• 8 medium red mullet
• 16 fresh basil leaves + more for the salad
• 1 lemon, juice only
• Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (I used the sweet variety.)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Arugula
• Cherry or datterini tomatoes (or any kind)
• Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Divide the two lemons to 8 wedges each.
2. Clean red mullet. Descale, gut & cut off the heads.
3. In a skewer, insert a lemon wedge, basil, red mullet, basil then lemon wedge. Continue with the other skewers.
4. In a bowl, mix the juice of 1 lemon, salt, smoked paprika, oregano & extra virgin olive oil. Whisk well.
5. Brush each skewer with the lemon mixture.
6. Grill both sides of the skewers while brushing them with the mixture continuously.
7. Serve on a bed of arugula, fresh tomatoes & basil leaves dressed with balsamic vinegar, salt & extra virgin olive oil.