Mauritanian Fish Stew with Vegetables
A hearty and aromatic fish stew, showcasing the bounty of Mauritania's coast. This dish combines fresh fish with a medley of vegetables and spices, simmered in a flavorful tomato-based broth.

🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Firm white fish fillets(such as sea bass, cod, or tilapia, cut into large chunks)
- 1 large Onions(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned diced, undrained)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ginger(freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 2 cups Vegetable broth
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 1 medium Zucchini(sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the fish chunks with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute.
- 5
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- 6
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the sliced carrots. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- 7
Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
- 8
Add the sliced zucchini and the fish chunks to the pot. Gently push the fish down into the liquid.
- 9
Cover and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 10
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 11
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking.
- ✓Don't stir too vigorously once the fish is added to prevent it from breaking apart.
- ✓Serve with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
- Include a can of chickpeas for added protein and texture.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.