Ghanaian Fish Stew with Yam
A flavorful and comforting stew featuring tender pieces of fish simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, served alongside soft boiled yam.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Yam(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 500 g Firm white fish fillets(such as tilapia, sea bass, or snapper, cut into pieces)
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned chopped or fresh, pureed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, or to taste (optional))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Fish stock or water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.25 cup Coriander leaves(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the yam chunks in a pot, cover with water, add a pinch of salt, and boil until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes💡 Tip: Test yam with a fork; it should be easily pierced. - 2
While the yam is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Add the chopped onions and sauté until softened and translucent.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Add the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
⏱️ 3 minutes💡 Tip: This step helps to deepen the tomato flavor. - 6
Pour in the pureed tomatoes, fish stock (or water), chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Gently add the fish pieces to the simmering stew. Ensure they are submerged.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break the fish pieces. - 8
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid overcooking the fish. - 9
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 1 minute - 10
Serve the fish stew hot over the boiled yam, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper according to your spice preference.
- ✓For a richer stew, you can add a bay leaf during simmering.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or okra to the stew.
- Serve with rice or fufu instead of yam.
- Use shrimp or a combination of seafood for a different flavor profile.