| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 11g | 3g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 4g | 35g | 1.20g |
Why I Love South African Braised Snoek with Tomato and Onion
There are dishes that manage to surprise you and take you in a different direction than what you’re accustomed to, while somehow retaining a warm familiarity. That’s what this South African delight, Braised Snoek with Tomato and Onion, did for me.
The Harmony of Flavors
In crafting the Braised Snoek with Tomato and Onion recipe, I found an intriguing blend of the exotic and the familiar. In many ways, it’s akin to our Southern fish stews, but the earthy turmeric, sweet paprika, and aromatic coriander add a twist that sets it apart.
The Snoek fish, a staple in South African cuisine, lends a flaky texture and a robust taste that mingles seamlessly with the flavors of garlic and onion.
This dish holds a special place in my heart, despite standing starkly different from the traditional Southern dishes I normally love to whip up. maybe it’s the coastal vibes that this recipe exudes, reminding me of the joy-filled days I spend surfing off the Charleston coast.
Inspiration behind the Recipe
In seeking inspiration to put together this recipe, I found myself turning to Chef Reuben Riffel, a celebrated South African chef known for his remarkable ability to impart a unique personality to traditional South African dishes. Combining the familiar and novel, this recipe is a tribute to Riffel’s culinary philosophy.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a more elaborate setup, the Braised Snoek with Tomato and Onion fits right in. You could pair it with an earthy Chardonnay or a fresh green salad. It also goes excellently with mildly spiced rice dishes, bringing in a wholesome balance.
Go out there, try this recipe, and embrace the beautiful culinary diversity that our world has to offer. You might find, as I did, that a change in cuisine can be just as refreshing as catching a new wave on the surfboard.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds Snoek fish, cut into portions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (16 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by seasoning your Snoek fish portions with salt and pepper. Then, heat up 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or skillet. Add the fish portions and cook each side until they are golden brown. This should take around 3-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove the fish from the pan and set them aside for later.
Step Two
In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil and heat it up. Add the onions and garlic and fry them until they become translucent and soft. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Three
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, along with the turmeric, paprika, ground coriander, and sugar. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the flavors meld together.
Step Four
Return the Snoek fish portions to the pan, sinking them into the tomato and onion mixture. Add the cider vinegar and bay leaf. Cover and let the dish simmer for about 20 minutes. Make sure to turn the fish once during this time to cook it evenly.
Step Five
After 20 minutes, check the fish to see if it’s cooked through. If it is, remove the pan from the heat. If not, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it’s done.
Step Six
Garnish your Braised Snoek with Tomato and Onion dish with some fresh parsley and it’s ready to serve. Enjoy it hot.
