Comorian Fish and Rice with Spiced Coconut Sauce
A flavorful and aromatic dish featuring flaky white fish cooked in a rich, spiced coconut milk sauce, served alongside fragrant rice. This recipe highlights the island nation's love for seafood and tropical flavors.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as snapper, cod, or tilapia, cut into serving pieces)
- 300 g Basmati rice
- 400 ml Full-fat coconut milk
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Chili flakes(or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
- for serving Lime wedges
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and cook according to package directions. Keep warm.
💡 Tip: Ensure rice is fluffy by not over-stirring during cooking. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes begin to break down.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Season with salt to taste. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 6
Gently place the fish fillets into the simmering coconut sauce. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. - 7
Serve the fish and sauce over the cooked basmati rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use fresh, good-quality fish for the best flavor.
- ✓Adjust chili flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- ✓A squeeze of lime juice just before serving brightens up the dish.
🔄 Variations
- Add some chopped bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables.
- For a richer flavor, use fish stock instead of water to cook the rice.