The only downside to incorporating tomatoes is a lengthier process than other American-based tomato sauces. Most people in West African countries don’t like acidity in fish sauce. So to reduce the acidity, we cook the tomatoes for a long time. Adding the earthy flavors of curry, white pepper, and smoked paprika somehow shortens the process.
West African Fish Stew
Fish stew is a superb and fairly light meal that always comforts any time of the year. The tomato base and fantastic seasonings make it especially comforting on a chilly day. It is very adaptable because you can vary the spices in the sauce depending on taste and availability.
What You’ll Need to Make Fish Stew
Seasonings – Onion, garlic, ginger, thyme, smoked paprika, curry powder, and white pepper amp up the flavor of this incredible fish stew.Tomato Sauce – The perfect base for a thick and rich stew. The long cooking process reduces the acidity for natural sweetness.Chicken Broth – The flavorful broth adds another level of taste sensations. I also like to add extra bouillon powder to intensify the flavor.White Fish – Cod is my preferred choice because it’s more readily available where I live. But haddock and Chilean bass also work.Bell Pepper – This ingredient adds beauty and flavor, and the sweetness goes well with the tomatoes.Thai Basil – The slight anise flavor really completes the flavor explosion in this fish stew recipe. If you can’t find Thai basil, use regular basil with a pinch of ground anise seeds.
How to Make Fish Stew
Clean Fish – Wash your fish carefully, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.Saute Onion – Heat oil in a medium saucepan, then add the onion and sauté for a minute or two. (Photo 1)Season the Stew – Then add the minced garlic, ginger, thyme, paprika, and curry powder, then sauté for a couple of minutes. (Photos 2-3)Add the Liquids – Pour tomato sauce, white pepper, and bouillon powder. Stir for about a minute and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Add about 3 cups of water, season with salt to taste, and stir. (Photos 4-6)Now the Fish – Add the fish steaks one at a time, then add the bell pepper and basil. Simmer until the fish is flaky and thoroughly cooked, about 10 minutes. Adjust the thickness of soup with water, and add salt and more spices to taste. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm. (Photos 7-8)Serve over whole-wheat couscous or white rice.
Recipe Variations
Chicken Stew – This recipe is just as good with chicken. The only difference is you can add the chicken much sooner because it takes longer to cook.Fish Swap – You can add shrimp and any firm-fleshed fish to this recipe. Even the flakier fish will do fine if that’s what you have.
Tips and Tricks
My secret spice here is Thai basil – you really need to give it a try, available in Asian markets and farmers’ markets. What’s so special about it? It’s slightly spicy, aromatic, and pungent than the regular basil. On its own, it has a more anise and licorice-like scent to it.Because fish is very delicate, you should add it at the very end of the cooking because it might not remain intact when simmering the tomato sauce.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This is one of the few fish dishes that I make ahead. The tomato base makes it even better the next day. Let the stew cool, then refrigerate it for up to three days.
Serving and Storage
Serve – Fish stew is best hot right off the stove. Serve it in a bowl and sprinkle it with chopped parsley for elegance. Store – The leftover stew should be cooled and stored in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to four days or the freezer for two months. Reheat – Thaw frozen fish stew in the fridge overnight, then gently heat it in a saucepan, occasionally stirring, until it starts to bubble.
What Goes with Fish Stew
Serve it with coconut rice, whole-wheat couscous, or whatever rocks your boat. I like to freshen things up with fufu and cucumber tomato salad. You can’t go wrong.
More Tasty Fish Recipes
Fish and GritsBlackened Catfish with Shrimp SauceCurry FishJamaican Steamed FishSouthern Fried Catfish
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”rasUofTP” upload-date=”2022-03-14T07:00:00.000Z” name=”Fish Stew” description=”Fish Stew – This tasty white fish stew oozes with rich tomato sauce and earthy flavors. A light meal that is quick and easy to whip and can be customized easily according to preference. If you’re searching for a healthier alternative, this one is it!” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”] This recipe was first published in May 2013 and republished in September 2017 with new photos. It’s updated now with additional write-up, new photos, and a video.
