Fish with Gravy

Fish with Gravy Recipe from Bahamas: Hot Peppers, Salt Pork, Bacon, and More

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fish with gravy is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. This recipe combines the flavors of fresh fish with a rich and flavorful gravy that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Fish with gravy is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by many cultures for centuries. It is a popular dish in many coastal regions where fresh fish is abundant. The combination of fish and gravy creates a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 small whole fish (yellow tail, grunts, etc.) or larger fillets
hot peppers, as needed
salt, to taste
juice of 1 lime
1 small piece of diced salt pork
1 small piece of diced bacon
1 small onion, sliced
tomato paste, as needed
thyme, to taste
flour, as needed
1 can of whole tomatoes
1 potato, cut into chunks

How to prepare

Season the whole (cleaned and scaled) fish or larger fillets cut into serving pieces with hot pepper mashed in salt and lime juice. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, fry the fish until it is crisp and golden brown. Set it aside.
In a large saucepan, sauté diced salt pork and diced bacon.
Sauté sliced onions in the drippings until they are brown. Reduce the heat and add tomato paste, thyme, lime juice, and a small diced hot pepper. Simmer.
Brown flour in the mixture.
Blend a can of whole tomatoes and add it to the sauce. Simmer until it becomes a thick, purée-type soup.
Add chunks of potato and simmer until the potatoes are cooked.
Serve each person a whole fish with lots of gravy and a few pieces of potato.

Variations

You can use different types of fish such as snapper or grouper for this recipe.
Add in some chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the fish well with hot pepper, salt, and lime juice for maximum flavor.

- Browning the flour in the saucepan adds a rich and nutty flavor to the gravy.

- Simmering the gravy with the potatoes allows them to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fish with gravy over a bed of rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the fish until crisp and golden brown adds a delicious crunch to the dish.

- Simmering the gravy with the potatoes allows them to absorb all the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for a richer gravy.

- Substitute the salt pork and bacon with smoked turkey for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fish and gravy ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fish with gravy in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

25g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and pork products.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village by the sea. My grandmother, who was known for her amazing cooking skills, had passed down many recipes to me over the years. But this particular recipe for Fish with Gravy was something special.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was a warm summer afternoon, and the scent of the salty sea air filled our small kitchen. My grandmother was busy preparing dinner, and I was sitting at the table, watching her every move with fascination.

As she chopped the fresh vegetables and seasoned the fish with herbs and spices, I couldn't help but ask her where she had learned to make such a delicious dish. She smiled and told me the story of how she had first come across the recipe many years ago.

"It was during a trip to a neighboring village," she began, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "I had heard about a famous fisherman who was known for catching the best fish in the area. I decided to pay him a visit and see if he would share his secrets with me."

She went on to tell me how she had spent the afternoon with the fisherman, watching as he cleaned and prepared the fish with such skill and precision. She had taken careful notes of every step he took, from the way he seasoned the fish to the way he cooked it in a rich and flavorful gravy.

When she returned home that evening, she couldn't wait to try out the recipe for herself. And as she took her first bite of the fish with gravy, she knew she had stumbled upon something truly special.

From that day on, the recipe became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over or wanted to celebrate a special occasion, my grandmother would whip up a batch of Fish with Gravy, and it never failed to impress.

Over the years, I watched as she perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to make it her own. She added a pinch of this and a dash of that, always striving to make it just right.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing the same dish for my own family, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. The recipe for Fish with Gravy is more than just a dish – it's a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the love and care that has gone into each and every meal we share together.

As I take a bite of the tender fish smothered in rich, savory gravy, I can almost hear my grandmother's laughter echoing through the kitchen. And I know that wherever she is, she is smiling down on me, proud to see that her legacy lives on in the flavors and aromas that fill our home.

The recipe for Fish with Gravy may have come from a humble fisherman in a small village by the sea, but to me, it will always be a treasured family heirloom, a link that connects me to my past and guides me as I create new memories for the future. And for that, I am eternally grateful.