Smoked Fish Stew

Smoked Fish Stew Recipe from Uganda - Ingredients: Garlic, Onion, Tomatoes, Curry Powder, Dill

Region / culture: Uganda | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Smoked Fish Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of fish with the richness of tomatoes and spices to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Smoked Fish Stew has its origins in traditional African cuisine, where smoked fish is a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of smoked fish with tomatoes and spices is a popular way to create a flavorful and comforting stew that is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 onion, finely chopped
a little bit of cooking oil
2 – 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
3 tbsp tomato paste
water
1 tsp curry powder
a pinch of dill
1 medium-sized smoked fish (boneless - shredded or cut into cubes)

How to prepare

Cook the onions and garlic in oil until they are translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook them until they are soft.
Stir in tomato paste, curry powder, and dill.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 – 10 minutes.
Add a bit of water if it becomes too thick.
Add the smoked fish at the last minute, just cooking it long enough to warm it.
Garnish with a sprinkle of dill.
Serve over rice or pasta.

Variations

Add in other seafood such as shrimp or mussels for a seafood medley stew.
Use different spices such as paprika or cumin for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use boneless smoked fish for this recipe to make it easier to eat.

- Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add in other vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smoked Fish Stew over rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the stew allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use fresh fish instead of smoked fish if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the stew with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this stew with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the tomatoes and dill.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish and may not be suitable for those with seafood allergies.

Summary

This Smoked Fish Stew is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Smoked Fish Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this stew is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, the kind where the sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing in the trees. I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who lived in a small fishing village on the coast. Maria was an excellent cook, and she always had a new recipe to share with me whenever I came to visit.

On this particular day, Maria had just returned from the market with a fresh catch of smoked fish. She invited me into her cozy kitchen and began to prepare a delicious stew that filled the air with the tantalizing aroma of herbs and spices. As she chopped vegetables and stirred the pot, I asked her about the recipe she was using.

Maria smiled and told me that she had learned to make this smoked fish stew from her grandmother, who had passed the recipe down through the generations. She explained that the key to the stew's rich flavor was in the slow cooking process, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.

I watched as Maria added the smoked fish to the pot, along with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. She let the stew simmer on the stove for hours, until the fish was tender and flaky and the broth was thick and flavorful. When it was finally ready, Maria ladled the stew into bowls and sprinkled it with fresh parsley before serving it with a crusty loaf of bread.

I took my first bite of the smoked fish stew and was immediately transported back to my own childhood, when my own grandmother would cook similar dishes for our family. The flavors were so familiar and comforting, yet there was something special about Maria's recipe that set it apart from any I had tasted before.

As I savored each mouthful of the stew, I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, writing it down on a piece of yellowed paper that had been stained with years of use in her kitchen. She showed me how to select the best smoked fish, how to season the stew just right, and how to let it simmer slowly until it was perfect.

I returned home that evening with a container of leftover smoked fish stew and a newfound sense of confidence in my cooking abilities. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the dish for my own family, sharing the delicious flavors and memories that had been passed down to me by my dear friend Maria.

Over the years, I have made smoked fish stew countless times, each batch a little different from the last as I experiment with new ingredients and techniques. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the heart of it remains the same – a warm and comforting stew that brings joy to all who taste it.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of smoked fish stew on the stove, I can't help but think of Maria and the day she shared her recipe with me. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I will always be grateful.