Venezuelan-style Conger Bread

Ingredients

In the original American version, Conger Bread is typically made with a different selection of spices and ingredients. The Venezuelan adaptation incorporates traditional Venezuelan spices like cumin and paprika, which give the dish a distinct flavor profile. Additionally, the original American version may use different types of fish, while the Venezuelan version specifically calls for conger fish. The use of arepas as a base is also unique to the Venezuelan adaptation. We alse have the original recipe for Conger Bread, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) conger fish fillets 500g (1.1 lb) conger fish fillets
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 arepas (cornmeal patties) 4 arepas (cornmeal patties)
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced 1 tomato, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Season the conger fish fillets with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the seasoned conger fish fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
4. 4.
   While the fish is cooking, grill the arepas on a hot griddle or grill pan until they are crispy and golden brown.
5. 5.
   Once the fish and arepas are cooked, assemble the dish by placing a cooked arepa on a plate.
6. 6.
   Top the arepa with a cooked conger fish fillet, sliced avocado, sliced tomato, and fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process for the remaining arepas and fish fillets.
8. 8.
   Serve the Venezuelan-style Conger Bread warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Conger fish fillets — Make sure to remove any bones from the fillets before cooking.
• Arepas — If you can't find pre-made arepas, you can make your own by mixing cornmeal, water, and salt until you have a dough-like consistency. Shape the dough into patties and cook them on a griddle or skillet until golden brown on both sides.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, squeeze some fresh lime juice over the assembled dish before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend for the fish fillets.
• Serve the Venezuelan-style Conger Bread with a side of Venezuelan hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• If you can't find conger fish, you can substitute it with other firm white fish fillets such as cod or haddock.
• To add a creamy element to the dish, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the arepas before assembling.

Serving advice

Serve the Venezuelan-style Conger Bread as a main course for lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the assembled Conger Bread on a platter, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for an attractive and vibrant presentation.