In South Africa, pickled fish is a popular meal that is especially good at Easter. This dish embodies the spirit of traditional pickled fish from South Africa, particularly the Cape Malay variety, which is prized for its bright tastes and fragrant spices.
Because of how simple the easy pickled fish recipe is to follow, even inexperienced cooks may make a delicious feast that will last for several days.
Easy Pickled Fish Recipe Ingredients
To prepare this easy pickled fish, you will need the following ingredients:
Fish: 1 kg of firm white fish (such as kingklip or hake), cut into large portions
Olive Oil: 30 ml (about 2 tablespoons)
Onions: 2 large brown onions, finely sliced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Ginger: A thumb-sized piece, grated
Spices:
5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground turmeric
15 ml (1 tablespoon) curry powder
5 ml (1 teaspoon) garam masala
5 ml (1 teaspoon) whole coriander seeds, crushed
2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) fennel seeds, crushed
Sugar: 45 ml (3 tablespoons)
Salt: 5 ml (1 teaspoon)
Bay Leaves: 3 leaves
Vinegar: 375 ml (1.5 cups) white wine vinegar
Water: 300 ml
Easy Pickled Fish Recipe
Preparation Steps
Step One: Sauté the Onions and Aromatics
In a big, heavy-based saucepan, start by heating the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, cut into thin slices, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until they are tender and transparent. When the onions are done, add the grated ginger and minced garlic and sauté for a further two minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer and add spices
Add the crushed coriander seeds, fennel seeds, curry powder, garam masala, and ground turmeric to the onion mixture. Give these spices a good stir for about two minutes to let the flavors develop. Following this, add the salt, sugar, bay leaves, vinegar, and water to the pot. After bringing the mixture to a simmer, cook it for around twenty minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Fish
After the sauce has reduced in temperature and taken on flavor, carefully add the fish pieces to the saucepan. To make sure the fish is thoroughly coated, spoon some of the sauce over it. Once the fish is cooked through and flakes readily with a fork, cover the pan and simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Step Four: Chill and Store
Using a spatula, carefully remove the cooked fish from the pan and place it onto a non-metallic dish. Make sure the fish is well covered by pouring the remaining sauce over it. Before placing a lid or piece of cling film over it, let it cool to room temperature. Before serving, place the pickled fish in the refrigerator for two to three days for the best flavor development.
See also: Bollas recipe
Serving Suggestions
The best way to serve pickled fish is room temperature. It goes very well with rolls or crusty bread so they can absorb the flavorful sauce. Serve it with typical South African sides like coleslaw or potato salad, or with a fresh salad.
Storage Advice
This recipe makes a dish that keeps well in the refrigerator for several weeks when kept in an airtight container. It’s a great option to prepare ahead of time for parties or special occasions because the tastes will continue to meld together.
The Importance of Pickled Fish in Culture
Beyond just being delicious, pickled fish has cultural importance in South Africa. It is customarily consumed at Easter as a part of a bigger feast honoring social events with family and friends. The dish is a reflection of the centuries-long Cape Malay culinary traditions that have molded South African cuisine.
Fish pickling has its roots in the days when food security depended on preservation techniques. Families could improve the flavor profile and shelf life of their catch by combining vinegar and spices. This dish is still a mainstay during celebrations today, and it’s frequently served to friends and family.
Variations on Pickled Fish
Although this recipe offers a classic way to make pickled fish, you can experiment with many different versions according to your tastes or local influences:
Hot Change
If you like your food hot, you might want to try adding some sliced fresh chilies or chili flakes to your spice blend. This will give your pickled fish a wonderful bite to go with its sweetness.
Delightful Change
Increase the sugar in your recipe or cook with sliced fruits, such pineapple or mango, if you like a sweeter flavor profile. The wonderful contrast between salty and sweet will be produced by these ingredients.
Herbaceous Turn
Your pickled fish will taste better with the addition of fresh herbs like dill or coriander, which will counterbalance its richness. To add an aromatic touch, just sprinkle chopped herbs over your dish right before serving.
Pairing Beverages
If you want to improve your pickled fish dining experience, try serving it with cool drinks that go well with its flavors:
White Wine
Pickled fish goes well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc. These wines’ acidity enhances the spices in the dish while counterbalancing its richness.
Specialty Beer
For those who enjoy beer, pickled fish’s strong flavors can be countered with a crisp light lager or pale ale. Between bites, the carbonation helps to clear your palette.
Non-Ironic Choices
If you’re more of a non-alcoholic drinker, pickled fish pairs well with homemade lemonade or mint-infused iced tea as a cool companion.
Conclusion
This easy pickled fish recipe encapsulates traditional South African flavors while being simple enough for any home cook to master. You can make a dish that not only makes a delicious dinner but also introduces a little bit of South African culture into your household by following these steps.
Savor this aromatic dish as a distinctive addition to your culinary repertoire or with loved ones on special occasions.
