Tasty Ota with Fish Recipe from Fiji - Coconut Milk, Garlic, Onion, and More!

Tasty Ota with Fish

Tasty Ota with Fish Recipe from Fiji - Coconut Milk, Garlic, Onion, and More!
Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tasty Ota with Fish
Tasty Ota with Fish

Tasty Ota with Fish is a traditional dish that originates from the Pacific Islands. This dish features ota fern leaves cooked in coconut milk and cream, with the addition of fresh fish for added flavor and protein.

History

Ota with Fish has been a staple dish in Pacific Island cuisine for generations. The combination of ota fern leaves and coconut milk is a classic pairing that showcases the flavors of the region.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups diluted coconut milk
  • 3 segments of garlic, chopped
  • 1 small piece of onion, sliced thinly
  • 1 bunch of ota fern leaves, removed from stalks
  • 1 cup of coconut cream
  • 10 small slices of fresh flesh
  • salt to taste

How to prepare

  1. Put the diluted coconut milk in a pot.
  2. Add garlic and onion. Cook by stirring constantly.
  3. Bring it to a boil.
  4. Add ota fern leaves and bring it back to a boil. Stir in coconut cream.
  5. Add salt to taste.
  6. Cook for a few minutes (do not overcook as overcooking makes it tough) and remove from the flame.
  7. Serve.

Variations

  • Substitute the fish with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Add chili peppers for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the ota fern leaves, as they can become tough and lose their vibrant green color.

- Use fresh fish for the best flavor and texture in this dish.

- Adjust the amount of salt to taste, as the coconut milk and cream can vary in saltiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tasty Ota with Fish with steamed rice or taro for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to stir constantly when cooking the coconut milk to prevent it from burning.

- Boil the ota fern leaves briefly to retain their bright green color and crisp texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spinach or kale as a substitute for ota fern leaves if unavailable.

- Use canned coconut milk if fresh coconut milk is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Tasty Ota with Fish with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium from the ota fern leaves.

Alergens

This dish contains coconut and fish.

Summary

Tasty Ota with Fish is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tasty Ota with Fish is a delicious and nutritious dish that highlights the flavors of the Pacific Islands. With a creamy coconut milk base and tender ota fern leaves, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Tasty Ota with Fish. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small fishing village on the coast of Samoa. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had been preparing this dish for as long as I could remember.

I would watch in awe as she effortlessly chopped, mixed, and cooked the ingredients, creating a dish that was not only delicious but also filled with love and tradition. I knew that one day, I wanted to learn how to make Tasty Ota with Fish just like her.

As I grew older, I began to spend more time in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching and learning as she worked her magic. She taught me the importance of using fresh, local ingredients, and how to balance flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish.

One day, as we were preparing Tasty Ota with Fish, I asked my grandmother where she had learned the recipe. She smiled and began to tell me a story that I had never heard before.

She explained that many years ago, when she was a young woman, she had traveled to a neighboring island to visit a friend. While there, she had the opportunity to taste a dish that was unlike anything she had ever eaten before – Tasty Ota with Fish.

The flavors were bold and vibrant, the fish was tender and flaky, and the coconut milk added a richness that was unparalleled. She was so taken with the dish that she begged her friend to teach her how to make it.

Her friend, a skilled cook in her own right, was happy to share the recipe with my grandmother. Over the course of several days, they worked together in the kitchen, with my grandmother taking careful notes and asking questions to ensure that she understood every step of the process.

By the time she returned home, my grandmother had mastered the recipe for Tasty Ota with Fish. She made it for her family, who were all amazed at how delicious it was. From that day on, it became a staple in our household, and my grandmother passed the recipe down to me, just as her friend had passed it down to her.

As I listened to my grandmother's story, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the traditions and recipes that had been passed down through generations. I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about connecting with the past and preserving the memories and flavors of those who came before us.

I continued to learn from my grandmother, honing my skills and perfecting the recipe for Tasty Ota with Fish. I experimented with different variations, adding my own touches and flavors to make it my own. But no matter how I changed the recipe, the essence of the dish remained the same – a tribute to the love and traditions that had been passed down to me.

Now, as I prepare Tasty Ota with Fish for my own family, I feel a sense of pride and joy knowing that I am carrying on a legacy that began many years ago on a small island in Samoa. The dish may have traveled far and wide, but its roots remain firmly planted in the traditions and memories of my grandmother and her friend.

And as I take a bite of the Tasty Ota with Fish that I have prepared, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the journey that has brought me to this moment – a moment that connects me to my past and ensures that the flavors and traditions of my ancestors will live on for generations to come.

Categories

| Coconut Cream Recipes | Fijian Meat Dishes | Fijian Recipes | Fish Recipes |

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