Omani Paplou Fish Stew
A vibrant and tangy fish stew, popular in Oman's coastal regions, featuring a unique blend of fresh and dried limes, garlic, ginger, and tender chunks of fish, often served over fluffy basmati rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound Tuna steaks(cut into bite-sized pieces (or other firm white fish))
- 0.5 medium Red onion(diced)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 inch piece Fresh ginger(peeled and thinly sliced)
- 1 small Jalapeno or Serrano chili(minced (optional, adjust to taste))
- 1 medium Potato(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Carrot(peeled and diced)
- 1 medium Plum tomato(cored and diced)
- 1 whole Dried lime (Loomi)(pierced with a knife)
- 2 cups Water
- 0.75 tsp Turmeric powder(divided)
- 0.25 tsp Ground black pepper
- 0.125 tsp Cayenne pepper(optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1.5 cup Fresh lime juice
- 2 cups Basmati rice(cooked, for serving)
- 1 tbsp Ghee or oil(for toasting rice)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the dried lime in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften. Pierce it with a fork or knife.
💡 Tip: This helps to release its flavor. - 2
In a mortar and pestle, or a food processor, combine the minced garlic, sliced ginger, minced chili (if using), and chopped cilantro. Grind into a coarse paste.
💡 Tip: A mortar and pestle will yield a more authentic texture. - 3
Heat ghee or oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the diced potato and carrot and cook for another 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
- 4
Add the garlic-ginger-chili paste to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 0.5 tsp turmeric, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and salt. Cook for another minute.
- 5
Add the diced tomato and the pierced dried lime to the pot. Pour in the water and the remaining 0.25 tsp turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- 6
Add the tuna chunks to the stew. Gently stir and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
- 7
Stir in the fresh lime juice and the remaining chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the dried lime before serving.
💡 Tip: The dried lime is for flavoring and is typically removed before eating. - 8
While the stew is simmering, prepare the basmati rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, toast the rice in a tablespoon of ghee or oil with a bay leaf and a few cardamom pods before adding water.
💡 Tip: Fluffy basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment. - 9
Serve the Omani Paplou Fish Stew hot over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
💡 Tip: A drizzle of olive oil can also be added as a garnish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Dried limes (loomi) are essential for the unique tangy flavor of this stew.
- ✓Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
- ✓Ensure the fish is added towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming dry or mushy.
- ✓Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use other firm white fish like cod, snapper, or sea bass.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a richer stew, a small amount of coconut milk can be added in the final stages.