Spicy West African Fish & Eggplant Delight
Embrace the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this Spicy Fish & Eggplant Delight. This hearty stew combines tender fish fillets, succulent eggplant, and nutritious okra simmered in a rich, zesty tomato base. Enhanced with fresh vegetables and a touch of heat from jalapeño and ground red pepper, this dish offers a delightful balance of taste and texture. Perfect for a family meal or gatherings, serve it over hot basmati rice to soak up the aromatic sauce and enjoy a comforting slice of culture from the heart of the African coastline. Revision Date: 06/03/2011.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fish fillet
1 lb (Cut into 1-inch pieces.)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped.)
Green pepper
1 large (Chopped.)
Garlic cloves
3 (Minced.)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (Diced.)
Cooking oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing.)
Canned tomatoes
1 (16 ounce) can (Cut up, undrained.)
Eggplant
1 medium (Peeled and diced.)
Tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (Ready to use.)
Water
1 cup (For cooking.)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste.)
Ground red pepper
1 teaspoon (More for heat, if desired.)
Creole seasoning
1 teaspoon (Zatarains preferred.)
Frozen cut okra
1 (10 ounce) package (May use fresh.)
Basmati rice
Hot cooked (For serving.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the fish fillets: remove any skin and cut them into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
2
In a Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green pepper, cooking until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Introduce the minced garlic and diced jalapeño pepper to the pot, stirring for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add in the undrained canned tomatoes, diced eggplant, tomato sauce, water, salt, ground red pepper, and creole seasoning. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender.
6
Stir in the frozen or fresh cut okra and fish pieces, gently mixing to incorporate without breaking the fish.
7
Cover the pot again and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender and the fish easily flakes with a fork.
8
Once cooked, ladle generous portions of the stew into soup bowls and serve with hot cooked basmati rice on top, allowing each person to mix in the rice as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy West African Fish & Eggplant Delight?
It is a hearty West African stew that combines tender fish fillets, succulent eggplant, and nutritious okra simmered in a rich, zesty tomato base.
How should the fish fillets be prepared for this recipe?
You should remove any skin from the fish fillets and cut them into bite-sized 1-inch pieces.
How much fish is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of fish fillet.
What type of eggplant preparation is needed?
The recipe requires one medium eggplant that has been peeled and diced.
Can I use fresh okra instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use either one 10-ounce package of frozen cut okra or fresh cut okra.
What vegetables are sautéed at the beginning of the recipe?
One medium chopped onion and one large chopped green pepper are sautéed in cooking oil until tender.
How long should I cook the onion and green pepper?
Cook the onion and green pepper for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
What ingredients provide the heat in this stew?
The heat comes from one diced jalapeño pepper and one teaspoon of ground red pepper.
What type of tomato products are used?
The stew uses one 16-ounce can of cut up canned tomatoes (undrained) and one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the canned tomatoes should be added to the pot undrained.
How much water is added to the stew base?
You should add 1 cup of water to the mixture.
What specific seasonings are recommended for this dish?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground red pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Creole seasoning (Zatarain's preferred).
How long does the eggplant simmer before adding the fish?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered for about 10 minutes until the eggplant is tender.
When should the fish and okra be added to the pot?
The fish and okra should be stirred in after the eggplant has simmered and become tender.
How long should the stew cook after adding the fish and okra?
Cook covered for another 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How can I tell when the fish is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork.
What should this fish and eggplant stew be served with?
It is best served over hot cooked Basmati rice.
How many garlic cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
What kind of cooking vessel is recommended?
A Dutch oven is recommended for heating the oil and simmering the stew.
Is this a spicy dish?
Yes, it contains jalapeño and red pepper, though you can add more red pepper for extra heat if desired.
What is the primary flavor profile of this recipe?
It features vibrant West African flavors with a zesty tomato base and aromatic spices.
How much cooking oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
What are the key tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include West African, stew, fish, eggplant, okra, spicy, and comfort food.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes could be used, though the texture and liquid content may vary.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Should I peel the eggplant before dicing it?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the medium eggplant should be peeled and diced.
How do you avoid breaking the fish when stirring?
You should gently mix the fish pieces into the stew to incorporate them without breaking them apart.
What is the recommended brand for Creole seasoning?
The recipe suggests using Zatarain's Creole seasoning.
Is the okra added at the start of cooking?
No, the okra is added toward the end of the process, along with the fish pieces.
What is the texture of the okra when finished?
The okra should be cooked until it is tender, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes of simmering.