Caribbean Simmered Grouper Delight
Experience the essence of Bahamian cuisine with this delightful simmered grouper dish, which is a comforting hug in a bowl. The grouper is gently simmered to perfection, allowing its delicate flavors to shine through, combined with aromatic herbs, zesty lime, and a gentle heat from chili pepper. Traditionally served with creamy grits and warm cornbread, this dish is not only delicious but also soul-nourishing, providing warmth and sustenance for any day ahead. A true treasure from the Caribbean, it's a recipe that echoes the vibrant culture and culinary richness of the Bahamas.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
grouper fillets
2 lbs (skinless)
lime
2 (juiced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
yellow onions
2 (chopped)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
potato
1/2 lb (peeled and very thickly sliced (about 2 medium red skinned))
butter
1-2 tablespoon (unsalted)
hot chili pepper
1/4 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the fish: In a non-reactive dish, place the skinless grouper fillets and drizzle them with lime juice. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set aside for a moment to marinate.
2
In a large pot, pour in 2 cups of water and add the chopped onions, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, thickly sliced potatoes, butter, and finely chopped chili pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are nearly tender, adding more water if needed to maintain the consistency of the broth.
3
Once the potatoes are ready, gently add the marinated fish along with all the marinade juices into the pot. Reduce the heat to low, carefully cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes. The fish should be just cooked through and starting to flake.
4
After simmering, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired. Serve the simmered grouper hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy with your choice of grits and cornbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Simmered Grouper Delight?
It is a traditional Bahamian simmered fish dish that combines grouper with aromatic herbs, lime, and a gentle heat from chili pepper.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a culinary treasure from the Caribbean, specifically originating from the Bahamas.
What type of fish is used in this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 lbs of skinless grouper fillets.
How is the fish prepared before cooking?
The fish is drizzled with lime juice and seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to marinate briefly.
How many limes are needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires the juice of 2 limes to marinate the grouper.
How much salt and pepper should be used for the fish?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste.
What kind of onions are used in the broth?
The broth is prepared using 2 chopped yellow onions.
How much garlic is required?
You will need 1 clove of minced garlic for the aromatic base.
Which fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh thyme.
What type of potatoes are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/2 lb of potatoes, approximately 2 medium red skinned potatoes.
How should the potatoes be sliced?
The potatoes should be peeled and very thickly sliced.
Is butter used in this simmered fish dish?
Yes, 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter are added to the boiling water to create the broth.
Is the dish spicy?
It has a gentle heat provided by 1/4 teaspoon of finely chopped hot chili pepper.
How much water is needed to start the broth?
You should begin by pouring 2 cups of water into a large pot.
How long should the potato mixture boil?
The mixture of water, onions, garlic, herbs, and potatoes should boil for about 10 minutes.
Can I add more water during the cooking process?
Yes, you can add more water if needed to maintain the consistency of the broth while the potatoes cook.
When should the marinated fish be added to the pot?
The fish should be added once the potatoes are nearly tender.
Should the marinade be discarded?
No, you should add the fish along with all the marinade juices into the pot for extra flavor.
What is the correct heat setting for simmering the fish?
Once the fish is added, the heat should be reduced to low.
How long does the fish take to simmer?
The fish should simmer for approximately 10 minutes in the covered pot.
How do you know when the grouper is cooked?
The grouper is finished when it is just cooked through and starting to flake.
What are the traditional side dishes for this meal?
This dish is traditionally served with creamy grits and warm cornbread.
Can the seasoning be adjusted at the end?
Yes, after simmering, you should taste the broth and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, soul-nourishing dish that provides warmth and sustenance.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It is a clear soup with tender, flaked fish and soft, thick-sliced potatoes.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, carefully cover the pot during the final 10 minutes of simmering the fish.
What type of chili pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for a finely chopped hot chili pepper to provide gentle heat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of fish and 1/2 lb of potatoes, making it suitable for approximately 4 people.
Can I garnish the dish?
Yes, you can garnish the hot simmered grouper with additional fresh herbs.
What makes this dish a 'comfort food'?
Its soul-nourishing properties and the warmth provided by the broth and delicate flavors make it a comforting hug in a bowl.