Trinidadian Lime Thyme Fish Food

TRINIDADIAN CHICKEN STEW

Steps:

• In a heavy bottomed 4-quart saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until very dark, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken pieces, ginger, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the chicken is brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and break up with a wooden spoon. Add the thyme, 2 tablespoons of parsley, carrots, potatoes, and hot water. Cover the pan and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, about 40 to 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with the remaining parsley.

NATALIE'S TRINIDADIAN FISH STEW

Steps:

• Pour the juice and scatter the zest of the first lime into a shallow dish big enough to fit the fish in one layer. Swirl the juice around so it covers the entire surface of the dish. Lay the fish on top and pour over the lemon juice.
• Strip the thyme leaves off the stalks and crush them with a pinch of salt and the white pepper using a pestle and mortar to make a rough paste. Tip the thyme paste over the fish and gently massage it in, taking care not to break up the flesh at all. Pour the rum over and give it one last rub. Cover and leave to marinate out of the fridge for about 1 hour.
• Heat the oil in a wide shallow pan with a lid. Throw in the onion rings and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Tip the coriander, garlic, tomato slices and sugar in with the onions, stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to release their juices and everything smells sweet.
• Lift the fish from its marinade and nestle it in the pan among the onions and tomatoes. Pour over the marinade, 3 tbsp of water and the Angostura bitters, if you are using it.
• Cover the pan and gently cook for 6-8 minutes until the fish flakes easily and the onions are softened but still have some bite to them. Season with salt and pepper. The authentic Trinidadian dish is tangy-sweet with lots of thyme flavour and very limey, so taste the sauce and if you want more tang, squeeze over the remaining lime. Serve with basmati rice or boiled potatoes and steamed vegetables.

TRINIDADIAN LIME & THYME FISH

Steps:

• Mix together lime zest and juice, rum and thyme leaves. Gently toss fish in marinade and leave for up to 20 minutes.
• At the same time, heat oil in a wok (or non-stick pan) and gently sauté onion and garlic.
• Add tomatoes, mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Then add sugar, bitters, seasonings, water, coriander and marinade. Mix, top with fish, cover and very gently cook for 5-6 mins until fish is just cooked.
• Remove fish and set aside. Taste sauce for seasoning and add more salt, bitters and/or lime juice if needed.
• To serve, place fish on each plate and top with vegies and sauce.