Pickled Fish: An African Delight

Pickling is one of the oldest techniques to preserve food. With the pickling process, food lasts longer without losing any of its nutritional values. From fermented vegetables to spicy pickles, pickled food is an essential part of most world cuisines, including African cuisine.

Among African pickled delicacies, Pickled Fish holds a special place. It is a traditional dish made from salted fish, marinated in a mix of vinegar, sugar, and spices. The dish originated in Cape Town, South Africa, but has now spread throughout the African continent.

Ingredients of Pickled Fish

Pickled fish is a simple and easy-to-prepare dish. The primary ingredients for pickled fish preparation include:

  • 2 lbs white fish (hake, kingklip, or yellowtail)
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 thinly sliced onion
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tsp. coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp. cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 lemon sliced

Preparation of Pickled Fish

  1. Take fish, wash, and pat dry. Cut it into serving-sized pieces.
  2. Season fish with salt, turmeric, and coriander.
  3. In a deep pot, combine water and vinegar, add sliced onion, minced garlic, sugar, bay leaf, cumin seeds and bring to a boil.
  4. Add the fish pieces and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Turn off the flame and let the fish cool down to room temperature.
  6. Layer the fish in a container and pour the pickling mixture over the fish.
  7. Keep the container in the fridge for at least a day before eating to allow the fish to absorb all the flavors.

Serving and Storage*

Pickled fish is a versatile dish with varied serving options. It can be served as a light meal, starters, or as a side dish. It complements well with grilled vegetables, rice, and bread. Fewer people know that pickled fish also pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine.

Pickled fish is a dish that can be stored for a long time in the fridge. The fish should be covered entirely with pickling liquid to avoid getting oxidized. Once a large portion is made, it can be consumed over several days.

Nutrition Facts

Pickled fish is low in calories and high in protein, making it a healthy and nutritious dish. It is rich in omega-three fatty acids, which are essential to heart health. Moreover, pickling helps preserve the nutritional values of the fish and enhances its taste.

Final Words

Pickled Fish is an authentic African delicacy that has stood the test of time and has become a global favorite. It is easy to prepare, requires few ingredients, and can be stored for a long time. The dish is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Its sweet-and-sour taste and flavor-packed punch make it a refreshing meal that can be enjoyed all year round.