CHICAGO -- Asian carp may be a plankton-gobbling nuisance threatening the Great Lakes, but Illinois officials on Thursday expressed their hope to change that perception one bite at a time.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources held a public tasting event in Chicago with a Louisiana chef to start a campaign that may lead to feeding the fish to people facing hunger.
Chef Philippe Parola sauteed fillets and deep fried fish cakes. The fillets, fried in butter with salt pepper and sprinkle of Creole spices, have a very mild taste, like tilapia. But several big bones are scattered among the flesh.
The fish cakes, served with a cheese and cream sauce, are savory and moist, and compare favorably with a restaurant-quality appetizer.
"Fish translates to one thing: food," Parola said. "It's one of the greatest natural resources we have."
But the idea to exploit Asian carp's nutritional value has major obstacles, mainly overcoming the nose-crinkling response that its outward appearance often inspires.
-- Associated Press
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