THE BAHAMAS: Bahamian Fish Stew

This fish stew typically is served at breakfast or brunch in The Bahamas, either alongside Johnny cakes or over grits. As someone who loves savory and spicy in the morning, I think that sounds lovely! But it also makes a fabulous weeknight dinner. Many preparations have the fish fried in the oil, then set aside while the oil is repurposed for the base of the roux. I found a few authentic recipes where the fish was cooked only in the near-ready stew and, as I'm all about ease, went that route.

Bahamian Fish Stew

1½ lbs firm, thick white fish filets (grouper, snapper, sea bass, or mahi mahi)

1½ limes

½ orange

1-2 habanero peppers

½ small onion

½ green bell pepper

1 celery stalk

1 clove garlic

2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil

3 tablespoons AP flour (I used Cup4Cup)

1 teaspoon tomato paste

3 cups fish stock, optional

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 large carrots

1 Yukon gold potato

1 teaspoon salt

Polenta or Johnny cakes for serving, optional

1. Cut the fish into large slices or chunks. (If using a thinner filets, you can leave whole.) Place ina. shallow, non reactive dish. Squeeze the juice of one lime and the half an orange overtop. Mince one of the hot peppers and add to the marinade. Toss gently to combine and place in fridge while cooking the remainder of the stew. NOTE: Do not do this ahead of time, or it will "cook" your fish.

2. Slice the onion and green pepper into thin slices. Slice the and celery. Finely chop the second habanero pepper, if using.

3. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add flour to the oil to make a very thick roux. Cook, stirring continuously, until the roux becomes dark brown. Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until combines and deeper red.

4. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme stalks and the remaining pepper, if using. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, so nothing burns..

5. Add the stock or 3 cups of water mix and the teaspoon of salt and stir together, scraping any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

6. Peel and dice into small (~½-inch pieces) the potatoes and carrots, and add to the stew. Once the stew reaches a boil, turn down to simmer and cook for 10 minutes, until the carrots and potatoes soften but are not cooked through.

7. Add the fish and all of the marinade to the stew. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring only gently as to keep the fish pieces in tact.

8. Remove the thyme springs and serve atop soft polenta or alongside Johnny cakes.

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FUN FACTS:

• The Bahamas is the only country with a marching band on their currency.

• The Bahamas has the 3rd highest per capita GDP in the western hemisphere, right behind the US and Canada. This is due to the high level of tourism there.

• On January 17, 1977, for the only time in recorded history, it snowed in The Bahamas.