Namibian Fish and Tomato Stew with Millet
A flavorful and light stew made with firm white fish, simmered in a tangy tomato and onion base, often seasoned with local herbs. It's typically served with millet, a nutritious grain that complements the fish well.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Firm white fish fillets(such as hake or kingklip, cut into chunks)
- 2 medium Onions(thinly sliced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned chopped, or ripe fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 cup Fish broth or water
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 200 g Millet(for serving)
- a handful Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Cook millet according to package directions. Keep warm.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
💡 Tip: Don't brown the onions too much, you want them translucent. - 3
Add minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in chopped tomatoes and fish broth (or water). Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: If using fresh tomatoes, cook them down for a few minutes before adding the liquid. - 5
Season the tomato base with salt and pepper. Add lemon juice.
💡 Tip: The lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the tomatoes. - 6
Gently place the fish chunks into the simmering tomato sauce. Ensure they are mostly submerged.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to break up the fish pieces too much. - 7
Cover the pot and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
💡 Tip: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the fish and tomato stew hot over the cooked millet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose a firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking, such as hake, cod, or tilapia.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika or a bay leaf to the stew.
- ✓If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked tomatoes against the side of the pot.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add sliced bell peppers or a handful of spinach to the stew along with the fish.
- For a touch of heat, add a finely chopped chili pepper with the garlic.
- Serve with rice or a stiff maize porridge (pap) instead of millet.