Creole Boiled Fish

Creole Boiled Fish Recipe - Traditional Dish from Haiti

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creole Boiled Fish is a traditional dish that originates from the Creole cuisine of Louisiana. This dish is known for its flavorful broth and tender, flaky fish. It is a simple yet delicious recipe that is perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.

History

Creole Boiled Fish has its roots in the rich culinary history of Louisiana. The Creole people, who are descendants of French, Spanish, African, and Native American settlers, have a unique and vibrant food culture. This dish combines elements of French, Spanish, and African cooking techniques to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2-3 lb (1.36 kg) of boiling water
1 qt (946 ml) of boiling water
2 tbsp of vinegar or lemon juice
1 carrot, sliced
0.25 cup of celery leaves
1 clove of garlic, sliced
4 tbsp of tomato sauce
4 whole cloves
3 onions, sliced
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Clean and wash the whole thoroughly. Lay the sliced in a wire basket.
Heat the water, vegetables, and seasoning to the boiling point, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Carefully add the and simmer for another 10–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the .
The is done when it can be easily pulled from the bone.
Place the on a hot platter and garnish as desired. Serve with sauce.

Variations

Add shrimp or crab meat to the broth for a seafood medley.
Use different herbs and spices, such as thyme, bay leaves, or cayenne pepper, to customize the flavor of the dish.
Substitute the fish with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, high-quality fish for the best results.

- Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.

- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for added flavor.

- Serve the fish with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Creole Boiled Fish with a side of rice, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing drink.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the fish gently in the broth to ensure it cooks evenly and stays tender.

- Use a wire basket or a steamer insert to easily remove the fish from the broth once it is cooked.

- Garnish the dish with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any firm white fish, such as cod, halibut, or snapper, in place of the recommended fish.

- Substitute the tomato sauce with diced tomatoes or tomato paste for a different flavor profile.

- Use any combination of vegetables, such as bell peppers, okra, or potatoes, to customize the dish to your liking.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook the fish.

- Marinate the fish in the lemon juice and seasonings for a few hours before cooking to enhance the flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fish on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon slices, or chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation. - Serve the dish in individual bowls or on a bed of rice for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Creole Boiled Fish with a side of rice, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

- Serve it with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, or a cold beer for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the fish and broth gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

10g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Vitamin C: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains fish

Summary

Creole Boiled Fish is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option for seafood lovers.

Summary

Creole Boiled Fish is a classic dish that showcases the flavors of Louisiana Creole cuisine. With its flavorful broth and tender, flaky fish, this dish is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. Serve it with a side of rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Creole Boiled Fish. It was tucked away in an old, weathered cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, I couldn't help but be drawn to this particular recipe. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before, with a list of ingredients that seemed to jump off the page and demand to be cooked.

Growing up in the heart of New Orleans, I had always been surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of the Creole culture. From gumbo to jambalaya, I had learned to appreciate the complex flavors and bold spices that defined Creole cuisine. But this recipe for Creole Boiled Fish was something special. It spoke to me in a way that no other recipe had before.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish, so I set out to find someone who could teach me. I turned to my neighbors, my friends, and even my family members, but no one seemed to have heard of Creole Boiled Fish. It was as if this recipe had been lost to time, a forgotten relic of a bygone era.

Determined to unlock the secrets of this mysterious dish, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to recreate the flavors that I had imagined when I first read the recipe. And finally, after many failed attempts and countless hours of trial and error, I had cracked the code.

The key to making Creole Boiled Fish, I discovered, was in the careful balance of flavors and spices. The combination of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, tangy tomatoes, and fiery hot peppers created a dish that was both bold and comforting, a true reflection of the Creole spirit.

I shared my creation with my family and friends, and they were blown away by the bold flavors and complex textures of the dish. They begged me to teach them how to make it, and soon, Creole Boiled Fish became a staple at our family gatherings and celebrations.

As the years passed, I continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it truly my own. And with each batch of Creole Boiled Fish that I cooked, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that I had unlocked the secrets of this long-lost recipe.

To this day, Creole Boiled Fish remains one of my favorite dishes to cook. It reminds me of the journey I took to discover its secrets, and the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my arsenal, I will always have a taste of the Creole culture that has shaped me into the cook that I am today.