South African Spicy Fish Stew

Ingredients

While the original Nepalese Fish Suruwa is a light and tangy fish soup, the South African Spicy Fish Stew takes on a bolder and spicier profile. The South African version incorporates a variety of aromatic spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, which give the stew its distinctive flavor. Additionally, the South African version uses a tomato-based broth, adding richness and depth to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Fish suruwa, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks 500g (1.1 lb) firm white fish fillets, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup fish or vegetable broth 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and fish or vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Gently place the fish chunks into the simmering broth. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. 5.
   Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from heat and garnish the Spicy Fish Stew with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve the stew hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish — Choose firm white fish fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia for this stew. Ensure the fish is fresh and free from any unpleasant odor.
• Cilantro — Use fresh cilantro for garnishing as it adds a vibrant flavor to the dish. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a chopped chili pepper to the stew.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder.
• Serve the Spicy Fish Stew with a side of lemon wedges for an added burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water to the pot and simmer until thickened.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving advice

Serve the South African Spicy Fish Stew hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Spicy Fish Stew in a rustic clay pot or a deep serving bowl. The vibrant colors of the stew, along with the garnish of fresh cilantro, will make it visually appealing. Serve it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to complete the presentation.