Smoked Fish Stew I

Smoked Fish Stew I Recipe with Onions, Tomatoes, and Crushed Red Pepper

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Smoked Fish Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the rich smokiness of fish with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes and onions. This stew is a popular comfort food in many cultures and is perfect for a cozy night in.

History

Smoked Fish Stew has roots in many different cuisines around the world, from West African to Caribbean to Eastern European. The combination of smoked fish with tomatoes and onions is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

2 lb SMOKED, 0.5 lb onions
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 lb FRESH tomatoes
4 tbsp tomato paste
0.5 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
1 qt (946 ml) water

How to prepare

In a 4 qt (3.78 liter) saucepan, sauté 0.5 lb of thinly sliced onions in 0.25 cup of vegetable oil until they are soft but not brown.
Add 1 lb of fresh tomatoes, cut into 1 inch pieces, 4 tbsp of tomato paste, 0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper, and 1 qt (946 ml) of water.
Simmer with the cover on for 15 minutes.
Debone 2 lb of smoked fish (if using smoked herring, soak it for 1 hour to remove excess salt).
Add the deboned and flaked fish, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
Correct the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Add water if necessary to achieve a stew-like consistency.
Serve with rice.

Variations

You can add in other vegetables like bell peppers, okra, or spinach to add more depth of flavor and nutrition to the stew.
For a creamier version, you can stir in a bit of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to debone the smoked fish before adding it to the stew to avoid any unwanted bones in the final dish.

- Soaking smoked herring in water before using it in the stew can help remove excess salt and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to suit your spice preference - you can always add more or less to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Smoked Fish Stew over a bed of fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the stew with the lid on helps to meld the flavors together and create a rich and flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find smoked fish, you can use smoked turkey or chicken as a substitute.

- You can also use canned tomatoes in place of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.

Make Ahead Tips

This stew can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Smoked Fish Stew with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

This stew pairs well with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This stew is rich in vitamins A and C from the tomatoes and onions, as well as essential minerals like potassium and iron from the fish.

Alergens

Allergens: Fish

Summary

This Smoked Fish Stew is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

- Smoked Fish Stew is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender fish, and hearty vegetables, this stew is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for smoked fish stew. It was a cool autumn day, with the leaves falling gently from the trees outside my kitchen window. I had just returned from a visit to the local fish market, where I had picked up some fresh smoked haddock for dinner.

As I unpacked my groceries, I came across a tattered old cookbook that had belonged to my mother. It was filled with notes and bookmarks, a treasure trove of family recipes passed down through the generations. Flipping through the pages, I stumbled upon a recipe titled "Grandma's Famous Smoked Fish Stew."

Intrigued, I sat down at the kitchen table and began to read through the recipe. It called for simple ingredients - smoked fish, potatoes, onions, carrots, and a handful of herbs and spices. The instructions were clear and concise, with notes in the margins from my mother detailing her own adaptations and tips for making the stew just right.

I could almost smell the rich, savory aroma of the stew as I read through the recipe. It brought back memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings spent around the dinner table. I knew I had to give it a try.

The next day, I set to work in the kitchen, gathering my ingredients and chopping vegetables with care. I followed the recipe to the letter, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that just as my mother had written. As the stew simmered on the stove, the fragrant scent filled the air, warming my heart and soul.

When it was finally ready, I ladled the steaming stew into bowls and set them on the table. My family gathered around, their eyes lighting up at the sight and smell of the dish before them. As they took their first bites, a chorus of satisfied murmurs filled the room.

"That's delicious, Grandma," my grandson exclaimed, his mouth full of tender flakes of smoked fish and creamy potatoes.

I smiled with pride, knowing that I had succeeded in recreating a beloved family recipe that had been passed down through the years. It was a moment of connection, of tradition, of love shared through a simple dish made with care and attention.

From that day on, smoked fish stew became a regular feature on our dinner table. It was a dish that brought us together, that warmed our bodies and souls on chilly evenings, that reminded us of the generations of strong, resilient women who had come before us.

As I stirred the pot of bubbling stew, I felt a sense of gratitude for the recipe that had found its way into my hands. It was more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it was a piece of my family's history, a link to the past that I could hold onto and pass down to future generations.

And so, with each spoonful of smoked fish stew that I served, I felt a connection to my mother, my grandmother, and all the women who had come before me. It was a simple dish, but it held within it the stories and memories of those who had cooked it before me.

As the years passed, I continued to make smoked fish stew for my family, sharing the recipe with friends and neighbors who marveled at its rich flavor and comforting warmth. And each time I stirred the pot and inhaled the fragrant steam rising from the pot, I felt a sense of peace and contentment knowing that I was carrying on a tradition that would endure for generations to come.