Crispy Catfish with Yellow Curry and Bird’s Eye Chile Sauce

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the fresh produce.
2. Using a peeler, remove the green rind of the lime, avoiding the white pith; mince the rind to get 2 teaspoons of zest (or use a zester).
3. Quarter the lime.
4. Peel and mince the ginger.
5. Remove and discard the kale stems; roughly chop the leaves.
6. In a bowl, combine the coconut milk powder and ½ cup of water; whisk until smooth.
7. Cut off and discard the stem end of the chile; thinly slice crosswise, then thoroughly wash your hands.
8. In a small pot, combine the rice, a big pinch of salt and 1 cup of water.
9. Heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook 12 to 14 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
10. Remove from heat and fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
11. Stir in the lime zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. While the rice cooks, place the flour on a plate. Pat the catfish dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides.
13. Coat 1 side of each seasoned fillet in the flour (tapping off any excess).
14. In a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned catfish, coated sides down; cook 5 to 7 minutes on the first side, or until lightly browned.
15. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside in a warm place. Wipe out the pan.
16. While the rice continues to cook, in the same pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot.
17. Add the curry paste and ginger; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until softened and fragrant.
18. Add the kale and ¼ cup of water; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the water has cooked off.
19. Add the coconut milk powder mixture, half the sugar and half the ponzu sauce to the pan; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened and heated through.
20. Turn off the heat and stir in the juice of 1 lime wedge. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
21. In a bowl, combine the remaining sugar, remaining ponzu sauce, the juice of 1 lime wedge and as much of the chile as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the sauce to be.
22. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
23. Divide the cooked rice and finished curry between 2 dishes. Top with the cooked catfish. Serve with the chile sauce and remaining lime wedges. Enjoy!