Dive into the vibrant flavors of Kenya with this authentic Tilapia Fish Stew recipe! This hearty and healthy dish is a testament to Kenyan culinary traditions, showcasing the succulent taste of fresh tilapia simmered in a rich, aromatic broth. Imagine tender fish flakes melting in your mouth, complemented by the bright zing of tomatoes, onions, and a medley of warming spices. This isn't your average fish stew; it's a flavorful journey to the heart of Kenyan cuisine, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This easy-to-follow recipe breaks down the preparation into simple, manageable steps, guiding you from selecting the freshest ingredients to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Ready to create your own taste of Kenya? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Pestle and motor
Ingredients
- Spring onions
- Da leaves
- Kitungu sumu (garlic)
- Tangawi (ginger)
- Hoho (green bell pepper): ½
- Kitungu (onion)
- Nya (tomatoes)
- Tilapia fish
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Curry powder
- Black pepper
- Desiccated coconut
- Beef cubes
- Choosy mix
- Water
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- Finely chop onions. Prepare ginger and garlic paste.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add curry powder and black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add desiccated coconut and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 2. Build the Stew Base
- Add tomatoes, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Mash with the back of a spoon to thicken the stew.
- Add beef cubes and choosy mix. Be careful with salt at this stage.
- Cover tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes to cook the choosy mix.
Step 3. Cook the Tilapia
- Add enough water to loosen the mixture. Once simmering, add tilapia pieces.
- Add enough water to almost cover the tilapia, but not drown it. Simmer for 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 4. Finish and Garnish
- Add da leaves and spring onions. Add a little water to steam them. Cover and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Read more: Delicious Chicken Maqluba Rice Recipe (Sinhala)
Tips
- Use half or the whole bell pepper as desired.
- You can deep fry the tilapia at home if preferred.
- Adding spring onions and da leaves at the end preserves their flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tilapia for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tilapia works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
2. What type of spices can I substitute if I don't have all the ones listed?
Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. A general blend of chili powder, paprika, and cumin will work in a pinch.
3. Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic Kenyan Tilapia Fish Stew! This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly memorable meal. Share this flavorful dish with friends and family and savor the taste of Kenya.