Comorian Fish and Okra Stew
Mchuzi wa Samaki na Biringanya
A flavorful and hearty stew featuring tender white fish, okra, and a rich tomato-coconut milk base infused with aromatic spices. This dish is a staple in Comorian cuisine, often enjoyed with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets (e.g., snapper, sea bass)(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 300 g Okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch Ginger(freshly grated)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 ml Coconut milk(full fat)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 small Chili pepper(finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste))
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 100 ml Water
- 0.5 Lime(for serving (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
- 4
Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, chopped chili pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the ingredients.
- 5
Pour in the coconut milk and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6
Add the cut okra to the stew. Stir gently, cover, and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the okra is tender but not mushy.
- 7
Gently add the fish pieces to the stew. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To prevent okra from becoming too slimy, you can lightly sauté it separately before adding it to the stew, or add a splash of lemon or lime juice towards the end of cooking.
- ✓Use firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili pepper to your preferred level of spiciness.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For a richer flavor, use fish stock instead of water.
- Include a small amount of tamarind paste for a tangy note.