Brown Fish Stew

Authentic Jamaican Brown Fish Stew Recipe | Deliciously Spicy and Flavorful

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

Introduction

Brown Fish Stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. This recipe features tender fish slices cooked in a rich and flavorful brown sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Brown Fish Stew has its origins in traditional Caribbean cuisine, where fish is a staple ingredient in many dishes. This recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to make it their own.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) of fish (snapper, dolphin, kingfish, etc., cut into 1 inch slices)
2 onions, medium to large, cut into thick and thin slices
1 green pepper, diced
1 hot pepper, seeds removed, diced
salt to taste
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
fat for frying
2 tbsp of butter
water, fish broth, vegetable broth, light beef or other available stock
1 tbsp of flour

How to prepare

Prepare the fish by scaling, gutting, and cutting it into 1 inch slices.
Lightly fry the fish and set it aside.
To make the brown sauce, fry the onion in butter and gradually add flour until it turns brown.
Add water, beer, or any other liquid to thicken the sauce, along with peppers, salt, and green pepper.
Cook the sauce until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat a bit.
Place the fish slices into the brown sauce.
Cover the fish with some of the sauce.
Cover the dish and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes.
Turn the fish at least once during cooking and add more water if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Variations

You can add additional vegetables such as carrots, celery, or tomatoes to the stew for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicy kick, add more hot peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the brown sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the fish lightly before adding it to the brown sauce to ensure that it stays tender and flaky.

- Gradually add the flour to the onions and butter mixture to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency for the sauce.

- Be sure to cover the dish while simmering to lock in the flavors and prevent the fish from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Brown Fish Stew hot over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Brown Fish Stew is to cook the fish gently in the brown sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any firm white fish such as cod or snapper in place of kingfish for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the brown sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat the sauce and add the fish slices before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Brown Fish Stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 300

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

15g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and butter, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Brown Fish Stew is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for a balanced diet.

Summary

Brown Fish Stew is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for seafood lovers. With its rich brown sauce and tender fish slices, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite for years to come.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Brown Fish Stew. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor Mrs. Jenkins harvest her garden vegetables. As a token of her appreciation, she handed me a worn piece of paper with a handwritten recipe on it.

I looked down at the ingredients listed – fresh fish, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of warm spices. I could practically taste the rich, savory stew just by reading the words. Mrs. Jenkins must have seen the gleam in my eye because she smiled and said, "I thought you might enjoy trying this out. It's a family recipe that's been passed down for generations."

I thanked her profusely and tucked the recipe into my apron pocket, already dreaming of the delicious meal I would create. That evening, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen. I carefully chopped the onions and garlic, diced the tomatoes, and seasoned the fish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

As the stew simmered on the stovetop, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma, I couldn't help but think back on the different recipes I had collected over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members, and a few even from chance encounters with strangers who shared their culinary secrets.

But there was something special about this recipe for Brown Fish Stew. It felt like a gift, a piece of history passed down to me from Mrs. Jenkins' ancestors. I stirred the pot gently, savoring the anticipation of tasting the finished dish.

Finally, the stew was ready. I ladled a generous portion into a bowl and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded on my taste buds – the sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthiness of the onions, and the delicate, flaky fish all melded together in perfect harmony.

I closed my eyes and savored each spoonful, feeling a deep sense of connection to the past and to the generations of cooks who had come before me. This wasn't just a recipe; it was a piece of my heritage, a link to my roots and the traditions that had shaped me.

From that day on, Brown Fish Stew became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and quiet nights at home with just my husband and me. Each time I cooked it, I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for having stumbled upon such a treasure.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my skills as a cook, seeking out new recipes and techniques to add to my repertoire. But no matter how many dishes I mastered, Brown Fish Stew remained a favorite, a constant reminder of where I came from and the simple pleasures of a good meal shared with loved ones.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of simmering stew and baking bread, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes that have come my way over the years. Each one has taught me something new, expanded my culinary horizons, and enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined.

But Brown Fish Stew will always hold a special place in my heart. It's more than just a recipe – it's a story, a legacy, a taste of history that I am honored to pass down to future generations. And every time I make it, I am reminded of the generosity of Mrs. Jenkins and the joy of discovering a new culinary adventure.