Chili Lime Tilapia with Kale, Fennel and Orange Salad

aka The Best Dinner Ever.

So I bought a fennel bulb in my grocery shopping this week because I have never purchased one before.  I realized promptly afterward that I actually have no idea what to do with fennel!  An internet search turned up some interesting kale and fennel salads, which I adapted in order to fit the other random things in my fridge.

Kale, Fennel and Orange Salad

The measurements of this recipe are rather approximate, as I didn't really measure much of anything, just going by taste and appearance.

2-3 cups of kale - washed, dried, stems removed, and chopped into bite sized pieces

1 shallot

1T orange zest

1/2 naval orange, peeled and chopped into bite sized pieces

about 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

2T lemon juice

1T olive oil

1/2 tsp nutmeg



about 1/2 large fennel bulb (about 1/2 cup), thinly sliced
about 1/2-3/4 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced

After chopping up your kale, mix in the shallot, orange zest, salt, olive oil and lemon juice.  Mix the salad with your hands, massaging the kale leaves.  (the acid from the lemon juice will essentially "cook" the kale, making it softer and much less bitter!).
After mixing well, add the nutmeg, orange pieces, fennel and cabbage.  Mix everything well.  Enjoy!

This should make enough for 2-3 servings.

Make it a meal: Add some chickpeas or other beans, cooked shrimp, chicken slices, or other protein source.  Healthy and crazy filling lunch!

Chili Lime Tilapia
Same story as before, I apologize for the lack of adequate measurements :)

Tilapia filet
salt and pepper to taste
chili powder (not the same thing as chili peppers)
juice of about 1/2 lime
2tsp olive oil

Heat up a large skillet and add oil.  Meanwhile, sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on your fish.  Sprinkle the fish with chili powder (about 1tsp each side).  Place fish into the hot pan.  Squeeze some lime juice over the filets. 
Turn the filet after 4-5 minutes.  Squeeze lime juice over the other size, and add more chili powder if desired.
Cook until the fish is white throughout, about another 5 minutes.
*note, cooking times will depend greatly on the size of your fish.  Small or thin filets will take much less time to cook, thicker/larger ones may take longer to cook all the way through!