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Coconut Fish Chowder

The Quirky Foodster Team

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4
Servings

Ingredients

  • Firm white fish, cut into chunks — 500 g (1 lb 2 oz)
  • Coconut milk — 360 ml (12 fl oz)
  • Onion, chopped — 1
  • Garlic, minced — 1 clove
  • Carrot, sliced — 1
  • Water or fish stock — 480 ml (16 fl oz)
  • Oil — 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper — to taste

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  2. Add the water or stock and carrot, and bring to a boil.
  3. Simmer for 10 minutes until the carrot is tender.
  4. Add the fish chunks and coconut milk, and simmer gently for a further 8–10 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.

Introduction: A creamy, mildly spiced fish soup simmered with coconut milk and vegetables, a comforting bowl found in Nauruan kitchens.

Cultural Background: Fish soups like this one make good use of the daily catch, with coconut milk adding richness in a way reflected across much of the wider Pacific's cooking traditions.

Tips: Simmer gently once the coconut milk is added, to avoid it splitting. Add the fish last so it doesn't overcook while the vegetables soften.

Variations: Add a handful of chopped spinach for extra greens. Stir in a squeeze of lime just before serving for brightness.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, until warmed through.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned coconut milk?

A: Yes, canned coconut milk works well and is widely used for convenience.

Q: What fish is best for this chowder?

A: Any firm white fish, such as snapper, grouper or mahi-mahi.