Middle Eastern Sea Bass

This is basically the same recipe you would use to make falafel, the famous chickpea patties, only in this case you coat the fish in it.

1 (14 ounce) can chickpeas
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 teaspoon minced hot chile
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup ground pita breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds
4 (6 ounce) fillets of sea bass
3 tablespoons olive oil

In a food processor, finely chop the chickpeas, cilantro, hot chile, onion powder, garlic, salt, and cumin. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs and sesame seeds.

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Pat the fish dry, and rub it with salt and pepper. Coat the top of each fillet with 3 tablespoons of falafel mix.

In an oven-proof nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over moderately high heat. When hot, add the fillets, coating side down. Cook until the crust is golden, then turn the fish over and transfer the skillet to the oven. Cook until the fish just begins to flake, about 8 minutes. Serves 4.

Serve with Middle-Eastern cucumber salad.