Samaki wa Kapaka (Zanzibar Grilled Fish)

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Samaki wa Kapaka (Zanzibar Grilled Fish)

Samaki wa Kapaka (Zanzibar Grilled Fish) is a traditional Tanzanian (from Zanzibar) recipe for a classic dish of fish marinated in a mix of chilli, ginger and garlic before being grilled and barbecued whilst it's basted in a sauce made from coconut milk, tamarind paste and curry powder. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Tanzanian version of: Zanzibar Grilled Fish (Samaki wa Kapaka).

prep time

20 minutes

cook time

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Additional Time:

(+90 minutes marinating)

Serves:

Rating:

Tags : Chilli Recipes Tanzania Recipes

Samaki is the Swahili word for fish and this dish is traditionally made on a charcoal barbecue or grill though it works quite well under the grill of an oven as well.

Ingredients:

1 large whole firm fish (about 1.3kg)
2 tsp freshly-grated ginger
1 chilli, finely chopped
700ml coconut milk
tamarind paste, to taste
1 tsp curry powder
salt and cayenne pepper, to taste

Method:

Clean the fish then remove the scales and tail. Cut a two long diagonal slashes along both sides of the fish. Grind together the ginger, garlic, chilli and salt until it forms a paste then rub this mixture all over the fish (and inside the body cavity), paying special attention to the slashes in the sides. Cover the fish and allow to marinate for at least 90 minutes.

In a saucepan stir together the coconut milk, tamarind, curry powder, salt and cayenne pepper allow this mixture to simmer on a very low heat.

Place the fish on a barbecue (preferably in a metal fish basket) or cook under a cooker's grill turning every ten minutes or so. When the fish is half done spoon some of the sauce over the fish every time your turn it. Continue cooking and basting until the fish is done.

Serve with rice and drizzle with any remaining sauce.