West African Fish Stew

Name: West African Fish Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: West African
Ingredients: 800g white fish (such as cod, hake, or tilapia), cut into large chunks; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large onion, finely sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 red bell peppers, blended or finely chopped; 2 large tomatoes, blended; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste), finely chopped; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 bay leaf; 500ml fish or vegetable stock; Salt to taste; Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish; Juice of half a lemon

May 18, 2026

A rich, tomato-based West African fish stew with peppers, onions, and spices, simmered gently to keep the fish tender and flavorful.

Prep 20min
Cook 40min
Total 1h
Yield 4 servings

Ingredients

800g white fish (such as cod, hake, or tilapia), cut into large chunks
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 red bell peppers, blended or finely chopped
2 large tomatoes, blended
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers (adjust to taste), finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
500ml fish or vegetable stock
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish
Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onions until soft and translucent.
Add garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until fragrant.
Stir in blended red peppers, tomatoes, tomato paste, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add paprika, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, and salt, stirring to combine.
Pour in stock and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
Gently add fish chunks to the stew, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through.
Finish with lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander or parsley before serving.

Notes

This recipe is inspired by a passage from Stay With Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. It is AI-generated and shared for entertainment, culinary inspiration, and reading enjoyment. Please use your own judgment and experience when preparing it.