Somali · intermediate
Somali Coastal Fish Stew With Tamarind And Coconut
White fish fillets cooked in a fragrant Somali coastal sauce featuring coconut milk, tamarind paste, garlic, and bright lime.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 20 min
- SERVES
- 4
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
- 02
Saute sliced red onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger for 4 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 03
Sprinkle ground cumin and ground turmeric over the onions and stir for 30 seconds to blossom the spices.
- 04
Pour in coconut milk and prepared tamarind liquid, bringing the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- 05
Nestle the white fish pieces gently into the simmering sauce.
- 06
Cover and cook over low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- 07
Scatter chopped fresh cilantro over the stew just before taking off the heat.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Gentle Fish Poaching
Simmering fish pieces in a warm spice and coconut broth covered over low heat to maintain moisture without breaking up delicate protein.
Notes from the kitchen
- Pair with flatbread or spiced basmati rice for a classic Benadir coast style meal.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Somali; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.
