East African-style Spiced Fish Roe

Ingredients

In this East African version, the traditional Polish dish Kawior po żydowsku is transformed by incorporating the distinct flavors of the region. The original dish typically features fish roe served with onions, sour cream, and lemon juice. However, in this adaptation, the roe is marinated in a blend of East African spices and herbs, giving it a completely different taste profile. We alse have the original recipe for Kawior po żydowsku, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) fish roe 250g (8.8 oz) fish roe
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 1g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the fish roe under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
3. 3.
   Rub the spice mixture all over the fish roe, ensuring it is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
5. 5.
   Add the marinated fish roe to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking the roe.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, mint, and lemon juice.
7. 7.
   Serve the East African-style Spiced Fish Roe as an appetizer with bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Fish Roe — Make sure to handle the fish roe gently to prevent it from breaking apart during cooking.
• Fresh Herbs — Use fresh cilantro and mint for the best flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mixture.
• Serve the Spiced Fish Roe with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of spices used in the marinade.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or basil to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Pair this dish with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad to balance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the East African-style Spiced Fish Roe as an appetizer with slices of crusty bread or crispy crackers. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for an added pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Spiced Fish Roe on a platter, garnished with sprigs of fresh cilantro and mint. Serve alongside the bread or crackers, allowing guests to help themselves and enjoy the vibrant colors and enticing aroma.