Jamaican Run Down (Fish Stew with Tomato, Peppers, and Coconut Milk)
Try this Jamaican Run Down fish stew with tomato, peppers, and coconut milk recipe.
Try this Jamaican Run Down fish stew with tomato, peppers, and coconut milk recipe.
- 1 large onion diced
- juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 2 lbs cod loin salmon (skin removed) or mackerel cut into large pieces
- 1 13.5- oz can coconut milk
- 1 scotch bonnet or jalapeã±o chile pepper minced (i use red jalapeã±os, seeds and all)
- 1/4 tsp mild red pepper flakes (optional)
- 16 oz canned chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme leaf
- Carbohydrate 52.6909072840026 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.02268508048 g
- Fiber 10.1570488347596 g
- Protein 7.13620798288 g
- Saturated Fat 0.238731626528 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1746g)
- Sodium 361.710636960128 mg
- Sugar 42.5338584492429 g
- Trans Fat 0.313716024144 g
- Calories 218 calories
Step-by-step
- Dice 1 large onion.
- Juice 2 limes.
- Add 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1 tbsp white vinegar.
- Slice 2 garlic cloves.
- Cut 2 lbs cod loin salmon (skin removed) or mackerel into large pieces.
- Add 1 13.5-oz can of coconut milk.
- Mince 1 scotch bonnet or jalapeño chile pepper (seeds and all).
- Add 1/4 tsp mild red pepper flakes (optional).
- Add 16 oz canned chopped tomatoes.
- Add 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper and 1 tsp dried thyme leaf.
A Taste of Jamaica: My Simple Run Down Recipe
The aroma of warm spices, the sizzle of fish hitting the pan, the creamy richness of coconut milk – these are the sensory memories that flood back every time I make Jamaican Run Down. This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey, a taste of home, a vibrant splash of island life in my kitchen. For me, cooking is a form of self-expression, a way to share a piece of my heart with those I love. And this Run Down? It's a recipe deeply woven into the fabric of my life.
I remember first tasting Run Down as a child, visiting my grandmother in Jamaica. The sun beat down on the vibrant green landscape, the air thick with the scent of hibiscus and sea salt. Grandma's Run Down was always a highlight, a comforting bowl of sunshine on a hot afternoon. The fish, so tender and flaky, was infused with the fragrant warmth of scotch bonnet peppers (although I’ve adapted to using jalapeños for a milder kick!), the sweetness of tomatoes, and the creamy embrace of coconut milk. It was a symphony of flavours, a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, a taste of pure paradise.
Over the years, I've adapted my grandmother's recipe to suit my own tastes and the ingredients available to me. I've experimented with different types of fish, adding other vegetables or adjusting the spice level. But the core essence of her Run Down always remains – a simple, yet incredibly flavourful dish that is both satisfying and deeply comforting. It's a dish that embodies the spirit of Jamaican cuisine: simple, fresh, and packed with flavour.
This isn’t just a recipe to follow mechanically; it's an invitation to experiment, to tailor the flavors to your personal preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of scotch bonnet or jalapeño pepper to control the heat – a little goes a long way! If you prefer a thicker stew, simply simmer it for a longer time, allowing the sauce to reduce. You can even add other vegetables, like okra or callaloo, to give it an extra boost of flavor and texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, its capacity to be shaped by your individual tastes and culinary inclinations.
Making Run Down is more than just cooking; it’s a mindful process. It’s about the careful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the gentle simmering of the stew. It's about savouring the aromas that fill your kitchen as the dish comes together, anticipating the delicious meal that awaits. And finally, it's about sharing this culinary experience with loved ones, creating memories around a table filled with laughter and good food.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some reggae music, and let the magic of Jamaican Run Down transport you to a sunny island paradise, right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the journey, and don't be afraid to let your creativity shine through in your own culinary adaptation of this beloved classic. After all, isn't that what cooking is all about?
