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.
READ HEALTH BENEFITS AND PRECAUTIONS OF USING POTASH IN COOKING- 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 color.
- Nigerian Mackerel Fish Stew is commonly served with rice, yam, or plantains. Choose your favorite accompaniment and savor the delightful symphony of flavors.
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.