Entree: Sierra Leone – National Cuisine – Fried Fish and Plantains (Crispy fried whole fish served with sweet fried ripe plantains and a fresh spicy pepper sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 20 min

Total 55 min

Ingredients

- 4 whole tilapia, approx. 10 oz (280 g) each, cleaned and scaled
- 2 tsp (10 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp (5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) vegetable oil for frying, plus more as needed
- 3 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced on the diagonal into 1/2-inch pieces
- For the pepper sauce:
  - 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  - 1 small onion, finely chopped
  - 1 scotch bonnet or habanero, finely minced (seeded for less heat)
  - 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil or palm oil
  - 1 tbsp (15 ml) white vinegar or lime juice
  - 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt, or to taste
  - 1 tsp (5 g) sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat the fish dry. Make 2–3 diagonal slashes on each side of the fish. In a small bowl combine 2 tsp salt, pepper, minced garlic, and lemon juice; rub into the cavity and slashed sides of each fish. Let rest 15–20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Dredge each fish lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Fry the fish, two at a time if necessary, 6–8 minutes per side depending on size, until the skin is crisp and flesh flakes easily. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray and keep warm.
4. While the fish cooks, heat a separate skillet with 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) oil over medium heat. Fry the plantain slices in batches until golden brown and caramelized, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt.
5. For the pepper sauce, heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil in a small pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, add the chopped tomatoes and minced scotch bonnet and cook until the tomatoes break down, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in vinegar, salt, and sugar if using; simmer 2 minutes and remove from heat.
6. Serve each fried fish with a portion of fried plantains and a spoonful of pepper sauce alongside. Recommend steaming rice or a simple salad as accompaniments if desired.