Jack Fish and Provisions

Name: Jack Fish and Provisions
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Ingredients: Small jack fish (or similar small whole fish), cleaned and scored — 6; Juice of 1 lime; Garlic, minced — 2 cloves; Paprika — 1 tsp; Salt and black pepper, — to taste; Oil for frying; Yam, peeled and cubed — 300 g (10 oz); Sweet potato, peeled and cubed — 300 g (10 oz); Green bananas, peeled and halved — 2

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Servings

Ingredients

Small jack fish (or similar small whole fish), cleaned and scored — 6
Juice of 1 lime
Garlic, minced — 2 cloves
Paprika — 1 tsp
Salt and black pepper, — to taste
Oil for frying
Yam, peeled and cubed — 300 g (10 oz)
Sweet potato, peeled and cubed — 300 g (10 oz)
Green bananas, peeled and halved — 2

Method

Rub the fish with lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt and pepper; marinate 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Fry the fish for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Meanwhile, boil the yam, sweet potato and green banana in a separate pot for 20-25 minutes until tender.
Drain the provisions and serve alongside the fried fish.

Introduction: Fried jack fish served alongside a hearty mix of boiled root vegetables.

Cultural Background: Jack fish, plentiful in the waters around Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, is a popular affordable catch, traditionally fried whole and served with filling ground provisions for a satisfying everyday meal.

Tips: Score the fish before marinating so the seasoning penetrates deeply. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Variations: Season the fish with a whole scotch bonnet rubbed lightly over the skin for extra heat; swap jack fish for any similar small whole fish available locally.

Storage: Store fish and provisions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Reheat fish in a hot oven or dry pan to restore crispness; warm provisions in a covered pan with a little water.

Nutrition: Approx. 420 kcal, 28 g protein, 40 g carbohydrate, 18 g fat per serving.

FAQs:

Q: What is jack fish?

A: A common, affordable small fish found in Caribbean waters, often pan-fried whole.

Q: Can other fish be substituted?

A: Yes, any small, firm whole fish works well in this preparation.