Persian Tamarind-Stuffed Fish

A luxurious whole fish preparation flavored with tangy tamarind and fragrant barberries, perfect for Norooz, the Persian new year.

Yield: serves 4

Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat oven to 375°. Grease two baking sheets and set aside.
Soak barberries in warm water for 30 minutes and drain.
In a large skillet over medium-high, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the onions and cook until brown, about 10 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes more, until dark brown and caramelized. Add the barberries, almonds, tamarind, and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, parsley, and tarragon.
Season fish with salt and pepper. Stuff each fish with about ¹⁄₂ cup stuffing and brush with remaining olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes. Change oven setting to broil and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes, until the fish's skin is golden.