Namibian Fish and Sweet Potato Bake
A comforting and flavorful bake featuring flaky white fish layered with sweet potatoes, onions, and a creamy, spiced sauce, baked until golden and tender.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g White fish fillets(such as hake or kingklip, skinless)
- 2 large Sweet potatoes(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 large Onions(thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 400 ml Milk
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Nutmeg(ground)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- a handful Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2
Arrange a layer of thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of sliced onions.
- 3
Place the fish fillets on top of the sweet potato and onion layers. Season the fish with salt and pepper.
- 4
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- 5
Gradually whisk in milk until the sauce is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- 6
Stir in lemon juice, paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 7
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the fish and vegetables in the baking dish.
- 8
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- 9
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily, and the sweet potatoes are tender. The top should be lightly golden.
💡 Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Slice the sweet potatoes and onions thinly and evenly for consistent cooking.
- ✓Don't overcook the fish; it should be just cooked through to remain moist.
- ✓If you don't have fresh fish, frozen and thawed fish fillets can also be used.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of spinach or kale between the fish and the sauce.
- Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Use a mix of white fish and shrimp for added seafood flavor.