Fish Loaf

Belizean Fish Loaf Recipe with Breadcrumbs, Onion, and Sweet Pepper

Region / culture: Belize | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Fish loaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines minced fish with breadcrumbs, vegetables, and seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Fish loaf has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fish and seasonings, making it a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Ingredients

1-0.5 lb (minced) 675 g
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 medium onion (grated)
1 small sweet pepper (chopped)
1 tblsp lemon juice or vinegar (to clean fish) 15 ml
1 tsp salt 5 ml
0.5 tsp black pepper 2 ml
0.5 cup evaporated milk or fresh milk 125 ml
1 tblsp margarine 15 ml
2 cabbage leaves
2 hard boiled eggs

How to prepare

Clean the fish with lemon juice or vinegar.
Boil the fish and remove the bones. Mince the fish.
In a mixing bowl, add the fish, 0.5 bread crumbs, milk, sweet pepper, onion, and salt.
Mix the ingredients until they reach a soft consistency.
Grease a loaf tin and line it with cabbage leaves. Add 0.5 of the mixture, then place boiled eggs on top. Cover with the remaining mixture.
Cover the mixture with bread crumbs and dot with margarine or strips of bacon.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30–35 minutes.

Variations

Try using different types of fish, such as salmon or cod, for a unique flavor.
Add herbs and spices, such as dill or paprika, to customize the seasoning of the fish loaf.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to add variety to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to clean the fish thoroughly before cooking to remove any bones or scales.

- Boil the fish before mincing to ensure that it is cooked through and easy to work with.

- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture in your fish loaf.

- Experiment with different seasonings and vegetables to customize the recipe to your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fish loaf with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for the fish in this recipe.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the fish loaf.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the fish loaf mixture in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. This can save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the fish loaf with fresh herbs or lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve fish loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover fish loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fish loaf contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fish loaf contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fish loaf contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of fish loaf contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fish loaf is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Fish loaf contains fish, eggs, and breadcrumbs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Fish loaf is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is relatively low in calories.

Summary

Fish loaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been tucked away in the back of a dusty old bookshelf. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on the recipe for Fish Loaf. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I had always been a lover of all things seafood, and the thought of a loaf made entirely of fish sounded both unusual and delicious. The recipe called for a variety of ingredients, including fresh white fish, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a medley of herbs and spices. It seemed like a labor of love, but I was determined to master it.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring out each one as I went along. The smell of fresh fish filled the air as I mixed everything together in a large bowl. I could already imagine the savory aroma that would waft through the house as the loaf baked in the oven.

As I shaped the mixture into a loaf and placed it in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would this recipe live up to my expectations? Would it become a new favorite in my collection of culinary delights?

As the loaf baked, I busied myself with preparing a side of roasted vegetables and a tangy lemon-dill sauce to accompany the fish. The timer finally dinged, signaling that the dish was ready. I carefully removed the loaf from the oven, the golden crust glistening in the light.

I sliced into the loaf, revealing a tender, flaky interior that practically melted in my mouth. The flavors were exquisite, a delicate balance of herbs and spices that complemented the fresh fish perfectly. I couldn't believe how delicious it was.

I served the Fish Loaf to my family that evening, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first bite. They raved about how flavorful and moist it was, each one declaring it a new favorite. I beamed with pride, knowing that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in our household for years to come.

Since that fateful day, I have made Fish Loaf countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and relatives, all of whom have fallen in love with its unique flavors and comforting warmth. It has become a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that brings us together and fills our hearts with joy.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that first time I discovered the recipe for Fish Loaf, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking, for the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones, and for the memories that will last a lifetime. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I know that there will always be new recipes to discover, new flavors to savor, and new memories to cherish. But Fish Loaf will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of that warm summer day when I stumbled upon a culinary treasure that would bring so much happiness into my life.