Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce

Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce Recipe from Senegal

Region / culture: Senegal | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the rich, smoky flavor of fish, all brought together with a spicy kick from the hot sauce. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a meal that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. It's a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a sophisticated appetizer, making it a great addition to any meal.

History

The origins of combining avocado with smoked fish can be traced back to various cultures that have long appreciated the complementary flavors of these ingredients. The addition of hot sauce adds a West African twist, reminiscent of the region's fondness for spicy foods. This recipe is a fusion of different culinary traditions, showcasing how diverse flavors can come together to create a dish that is both unique and delicious.

Ingredients

4 hard-boiled eggs
0.25 cup milk
0.25 cup lime juice
0.25 tsp sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.33 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp olive oil
0.5 lb (227 g) smoked fish, such as salmon, flaked
2 large ripe avocados
1 red bell pepper, or 1 can pimentos, cut in strips
0.25 cup West African Pili-Pili Sauce

How to prepare

Peel the hard-boiled eggs and remove the egg yolks. Mash the egg yolks in a large bowl. Mix in the milk and stir until a smooth paste forms. Add 1 tbsp of lime juice, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Pour in the vegetable oil and olive oil, then stir in the remaining lime juice.
Ensure all skin and bones are removed from the flaked smoked fish. Chop the egg whites and mix them in a separate bowl with the fish. Then add the fish and egg whites to the sauce; toss gently and thoroughly, then refrigerate.
Just before serving, halve the avocados and remove the seeds and any brown fibers. Spoon the refrigerated mixture into the avocado halves and top with either red pepper strips or pimento strips. Spoon the hot sauce over the dish and serve immediately.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, replace the smoked fish with smoked tofu or chickpeas. You can also experiment with different types of hot sauce or add extra vegetables like diced tomatoes or cucumbers for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and texture, use ripe avocados that are just soft enough to yield to gentle pressure. For the smoked fish, salmon is recommended for its rich flavor and healthy fats, but other types of smoked fish can also be used based on availability and preference. When preparing the hot sauce, adjust the level of heat according to your taste by adding more or less of the spicy ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a light salad for added freshness. It's perfect for a summer lunch or as an elegant starter for a dinner party.

Cooking Techniques

The key to this recipe is in the preparation of the ingredients. Ensuring the avocados are perfectly ripe and the eggs are hard-boiled to the right consistency will make a significant difference in the final dish. Gently mixing the ingredients to avoid mashing the avocados is also crucial.

Ingredient Substitutions

If salmon is not available, other types of smoked fish such as trout or mackerel can be used. For a dairy-free version, almond milk or coconut milk can replace regular milk.

Make Ahead Tips

The fish and egg mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish with the avocados just before serving to prevent the avocados from browning.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the stuffed avocados on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for an appealing presentation. Garnish with additional pimento strips or a sprinkle of chopped herbs for a touch of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, which complements the richness of the avocados and the smokiness of the fish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

It's best to consume this dish fresh. However, any leftover fish and egg mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Avoid storing the prepared avocados as they will brown and lose their texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce contains approximately 400 calories. The calories come from a healthy balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, making this dish a satisfying and nutritious option.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the sugar and the avocados. Avocados contain healthy, complex carbohydrates that are beneficial for energy production. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 15 grams, making this dish suitable for those following a low-carb diet.

Fats

Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce is rich in healthy fats, primarily from the avocados and the salmon. Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fats, while salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. The total fat content per serving is around 30 grams, with a significant portion being healthy fats.

Proteins

This dish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, thanks to the smoked salmon. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and this recipe provides approximately 20 grams of protein per serving, contributing to a balanced diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Avocados are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, and potassium. Salmon adds to the nutritional profile with vitamins B12 and D, along with selenium. This dish is a powerhouse of nutrients that support overall health.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are eggs, fish, and dairy (from the milk). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative ingredients to substitute.

Summary

Overall, Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of healthy fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's low in carbohydrates and calories, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without compromising on nutrition.

Summary

Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the rich taste of smoked fish, all enhanced by the spicy kick of hot sauce. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear in my heart. It was during a trip to a small coastal town in Mexico, where I stumbled upon a quaint little restaurant that served the most mouthwatering Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it myself.

I struck up a conversation with the chef, a kind and generous man named Miguel, who graciously agreed to share his recipe with me. He took me under his wing and taught me the ins and outs of preparing this delectable dish. We spent hours in his kitchen, chopping, mixing, and tasting, until we had perfected the recipe.

The secret, Miguel told me, lay in the quality of the ingredients. The avocados had to be perfectly ripe, the fish fresh from the sea, and the hot sauce made from a blend of fiery peppers that would set your taste buds on fire. But it was the smoking process that truly set this dish apart. Miguel showed me how to carefully smoke the fish over a wood fire, infusing it with a rich and smoky flavor that complemented the creamy avocado and spicy hot sauce perfectly.

As I returned home from my trip, I couldn't wait to recreate the magic of that dish in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work, following Miguel's instructions to the letter. The smell of the smoking fish filled my kitchen, and I knew I was on the right track.

When I finally sat down to taste my creation, I was transported back to that small coastal town in Mexico. The flavors were just as I remembered – creamy avocado, tender smoked fish, and a fiery hot sauce that lingered on my tongue. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I would pass down to future generations.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce recipe, adding my own little twists and tweaks to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its bold flavors and comforting warmth.

But the memory of that moment in Miguel's kitchen, learning the secrets of this dish from a kind and generous chef, will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a moment that sparked a passion for cooking and a love for sharing delicious food with those I hold dear.

And so, whenever I make my Avocado Smoked Fish with Hot Sauce, I am reminded of that cherished memory, of the flavors and aromas that inspired me to create something truly special. It is a dish that brings me joy and comfort, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to faraway places and cherished memories.