chili-rubbed tilapia and bacon tomato pasta

Spicy, but so good!

Chili-rubbed Tilapia:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 pound tilapia, Pacific sole or other firm white fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Combine chili powder, garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt on a plate. Dredge fillets in the spice mixture to coat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and cook until just opaque in the center, gently turning halfway, 5 to 7 minutes total. Divide among 4 plates.

Recipe courtesy Eatingwell.com

Bacon and Tomato Pasta:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 16 ounces spaghetti pasta
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon or pancetta, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 4 tablespoons basil, chiffonade
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large stock pot, boil 3 quarts of water, when boiling add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and the pasta and cook until the pasta is al dente.

In a large saute pan over medium heat, add bacon and saute until bacon is crispy. Remove bacon to drain on a paper towel-lined plate and remove 3/4 of the bacon fat from the pan. Add extra-virgin olive oil, onions, and red chili flakes. Cook until onions are translucent, add garlic, cook for 2 minutes then add tomatoes. Saute for 5 minutes, then deglaze with wine.

Drain pasta and add to the tomato mixture pan. Add basil and bacon. Toss with Parmesan, and add salt and pepper, to taste.

*Tip: If you do not want your pasta too spicy, then reduce the amount of red chili flakes by half. 

Recipe courtesy Guy Fieri

Sour Cream Dill Sauce for Fish:

(I use this sauce for any type of fish, potatoes, anything really!)

Ingredients

• 1 pint sour cream
• 2 bunches dill, chopped
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 shallot, minced
• Pinch red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons horseradish

Directions

Mix ingredients together. 

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence