I grew up in a family fascinated about cooking and eating good food. It was fun for me anytime my parents cooked together especially when it was a special meal like fresh fish soup or an unusual native delicacy.
My earliest memory of this fresh fish soup goes as far back to when I was less than five years of age. Although, I can not exactly say if the method of preparing this soup was crafted by my mum or dad, I can boldly say it a delicious way to enjoy fish.
To prepare a good fresh fish soup, you must first wash the fish thoroughly. Now, washing fresh fish can be stressful especially when the fish is still breathing and flapping. As kids, some days we pretended to be overly busy to avoid being assigned to wash the fresh fish. This task would involve you slaughtering the fish, removing its offals and giving it a good hot water bath to take off the dross and sliminess. It is really a messy task but a compulsory step to this mouth watering dish.
With the washing out of the way, the fish is soaked in a blended pepper, onions and condiments marinade. If the actual cooking was for later, the fish mixture would be refrigerated until it's cooking time.
Once ready to cook, a deep pot with just enough amount of palm oil is placed on low heat. The fish is then added to the pot of hot oil and covered, allowing it to cook and not fry and because you don't stir fish with a spoon, your pot should be wide enough to allow you shake the contents often.
As you shake, observe how easily the fish gives way. Raw fish has a translucent appearance that turns opaque during cooking. In the container the fish was marinated, add tomato paste, onions, salt, maggi, pepper and some water. Stir the mixture properly then pour into the cooking pot and allow to simmer. Remember, to shake the pot lightly every now and then to ensure a good blend.
Check the fish to see if it's ready. If the fish is on the bone, the flesh should lightly resist pulling away from the bone. Do not overcook your fish as it would continue to cook even after it is taken off the heat. A properly cooked fish should appear firm and gently resist flaking. Taste your soup and add more seasoning if you desire before putting off the heat.
This fish soup can pair with anything of your choice and it remains an all time favorite of my home.
I'm hoping you give yourself this treat
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