Introduction: Wrapped and baked in banana leaf, these fish and taro parcels are traditionally prepared for special occasions such as Gospel Day celebrations and island nights, when food is served to large gathered communities and the banana leaf wrapping keeps the fish moist and fragrant. Cultural Background: Wrapped and baked in banana leaf, these fish […]
Introduction: Unripe papaya grows abundantly across the islands, and this crisp, tangy salad puts it to good use as a light accompaniment to grilled fish or richer coconut-based mains. Cultural Background: Unripe papaya grows abundantly across the islands, and this crisp, tangy salad puts it to good use as a light accompaniment to grilled fish […]
Introduction: Ika mata is the best-known dish of the Cook Islands, a Polynesian relative of ceviche where raw fish is 'cooked' in citrus juice before being folded through fresh coconut cream and vegetables. Cultural Background: Ika mata is the best-known dish of the Cook Islands, a Polynesian relative of ceviche where raw fish is 'cooked' […]
Introduction: Young cassava leaves are pounded and slow-cooked in coconut milk with fish or octopus in this hearty Comorian lunch dish. Cultural Background: Young cassava leaves are pounded and slow-cooked in coconut milk with fish or octopus in this hearty Comorian lunch dish. Mataba shows the islands' deep reliance on both cassava, a staple crop, […]
Introduction: Whole fish marinated in a tangy tamarind and chilli paste, then grilled over charcoal, this is a staple main course found at family gatherings and seaside grills across the islands. Cultural Background: Whole fish marinated in a tangy tamarind and chilli paste, then grilled over charcoal, this is a staple main course found at […]
Introduction: A light, fragrant fish soup built on the daily catch, flavoured with tomato, garlic and a touch of chilli. Cultural Background: A light, fragrant fish soup built on the daily catch, flavoured with tomato, garlic and a touch of chilli. It's a simple, everyday dish that reflects the islands' total dependence on the surrounding […]
Introduction: Immortalized in Pablo Neruda's poem 'Oda al Caldillo de Congrio,' this delicate fish soup uses congrio (conger eel), a firm white fish abundant along the Chilean coast, and is considered one of the great dishes of Chilean coastal cuisine. Cultural Background: Immortalized in Pablo Neruda's poem 'Oda al Caldillo de Congrio,' this delicate fish […]
Introduction: Chilean ceviche differs from its Peruvian neighbor by using finely diced (rather than sliced) white fish, less citrus liquid, and coriander and chili to taste, reflecting the abundant cold-water fish along Chile's long Pacific coastline. Cultural Background: Chilean ceviche differs from its Peruvian neighbor by using finely diced (rather than sliced) white fish, less […]
Introduction: Nile perch, known locally as capitaine, is one of the prized catches of Lake Chad. Cultural Background: Nile perch, known locally as capitaine, is one of the prized catches of Lake Chad. Braised whole or in large fillets with tomatoes, onions and warming spices, this dish is a centrepiece for gatherings near the lake […]
Introduction: Lake Chad has sustained fishing communities for generations, and this light, tomato-based fish soup is a staple among households near the lake's shores. Cultural Background: Lake Chad has sustained fishing communities for generations, and this light, tomato-based fish soup is a staple among households near the lake's shores. It is typically made with fresh […]