One dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Nigerian culinary artistry is the Mackerel Fish Stew. Bursting with vibrant flavours, this dish is a beloved staple in Nigerian households. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of cooking the most delicious Nigerian Mackerel Fish Stew. Come along!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 large mackerel fish, cleaned and deboned
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes, blended
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 2 scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste), chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 cup palm oil
- 2 Knorr cubes (or other bouillon cubes)
- 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Clean the mackerel fish thoroughly, remove scales, and cut into desired portions. Debone the fish carefully to ensure a bone-free eating experience.
- In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add half of the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the blended tomatoes to the pot and cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture.
- Toss in the chopped bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers, stirring well to combine.
- Add the thyme, bay leaves, and curry powder, allowing the spices to infuse the mixture with their aromas.
- Drizzle in the palm oil and stir to incorporate it into the stew, lending its unique colour and flavour.
- Gently slide the fish portions into the simmering stew, making sure they are nestled comfortably in the sauce. Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent breaking the fish.
- Crumble the Knorr cubes into the stew, followed by the ground crayfish. Season with salt to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as the Knorr cubes are already quite salty.
- Cover the pot and let the stew simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together, and the fish to absorb the rich taste of the stew.
- Once the fish is cooked through and the stew has thickened to your liking, turn off the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness and colour.
- Nigerian Mackerel Fish Stew is commonly served with rice, yam, or plantains. Choose your favourite accompaniment and savour the delightful symphony of flavours.
Rounding Off
There you have it – a delicious Mackerel Fish Stew recipe. So, don your apron and get into the kitchen to prepare this dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
