Stew Fish

Ingredients:

For Frying the Fish:

• 1 whole fish (Snapper or Carite), cleaned and scaled
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers, finely chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 cup flour (to coat the fish before frying)
• 2 pimento peppers, chopped
• Green seasoning (chadonbeni)
• Salt, to taste
• Adobo seasoning, to taste
• 2 cups oil (for frying the fish)

For Stewing the Fish:

• 2 tbsp Rocou (or Sugar if you are not usingRocou )
• 1 tbsp ketchup
  
• 4 tbsp green seasoning
• 1 carrot, sliced diagonally
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 hot pepper, chopped (optional)
• Scallions, cilantro, or parsley, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
•  Okras, halved
• 2 tomatoes, chopped

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Instructions:

Seasoning the Fish:

1. Season the Fish:
   • In a bowl, combine onions, garlic, pimento peppers, green seasoning, salt, black pepper, 
   •  Add 3 tspof adobo seasoning to you flour
   • Rub this mixture all over the fish, ensuring it's well-coated.
   • Let the fish sit for at least 30-45 minutes, or overnight for better flavor infusion.

Frying the Fish:

2. Heat the Oil:
   • Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. Prepare the Fish:
   • Lightly dust the seasoned fish with flour, shaking off any excess.
4. Fry the Fish:
   • Carefully place the fish into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the fish and set aside.

Stewing the Fish:

5. Prepare the Stew Base:

   • In the same pan, add 4 teaspoons of oil and heat over medium heat.
   • Add the garlic, sliced onions, chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, carrots, and green seasoning. Stir and sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

6. Add Rocou:

   • Stir in the Rocou 
   •  ADD 1 spoon of ketchup, mixing everything together. Let it fry up for another minute or so, letting the flavors combine.

7. Add Water:

   • In the bowl where the fish was seasoned, add 2 cups of water. Swirl it around to capture any remaining seasoning.
   • Pour this water into the pan with the vegetable mixture and stir.

8. Add the Fish:

   • Gently place the fried fish into the stew mixture and allow it to simmer for 5-8 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
   • ADD in chopped okro
   • As the stew is nearing completion, add the  chopped scallions (or cilantro/parsley). Stir gently and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serve:

• Once the fish is fully cooked and the stew has thickened slightly, remove from heat.
• Serve the Trini Stew Fish hot with rice, provision, or your favorite side dish.