Tongan-style Spicy Fish Stew

Ingredients

While the original Spanish All i pebre is traditionally made with eel, the Tongan-style Spicy Fish Stew adapts the recipe to feature a variety of fresh fish commonly found in Tonga's coastal waters. The spices used in the stew are also tailored to Tongan cuisine, incorporating local flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion of Spanish and Tongan culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for All i pebre, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh fish fillets, such as mahi-mahi or snapper 500g (1.1 lb) fresh fish fillets, such as mahi-mahi or snapper
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili, sliced 1 red chili, sliced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup coconut milk 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup fish or vegetable broth 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced red chili. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, combine paprika, turmeric, cumin, and coriander. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Add the spice mixture to the pot and stir for a minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
6. 6.
   Pour in the coconut milk and fish or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
7. 7.
   Gently place the fish fillets into the pot and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. 8.
   Squeeze the lime juice into the stew and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Serve the Tongan-style Spicy Fish Stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Ensure the fish fillets are fresh and of high quality to enhance the flavor and texture of the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add more sliced red chili or a pinch of Tongan chili powder.
• Adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of chili according to your preference.
• Serve the stew with steamed taro, yams, or cassava for an authentic Tongan experience.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the pot and simmer until it thickens.
• Experiment with different types of fish to discover your favorite flavor combination.

Serving advice

Serve the Tongan-style Spicy Fish Stew in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany it with steamed root vegetables or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a vibrant tropical salad to create an appealing and well-balanced plate.