Description
Jamaican Rundown Fish Stew Soup is a rich and comforting Caribbean style dish made with tender fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with fresh herbs vegetables and warming spices. This soup is known for its deep savory flavor smooth texture and satisfying balance of heat and freshness making it perfect for an easy yet impressive home cooked meal.
Ingredients
Olive oil for sautéing
Yellow onion finely diced
Smooth garlic puree or finely minced garlic
Fresh thyme leaves chopped
Ground pimento allspice
Ground cumin optional
Full fat coconut milk
Ripe tomatoes chopped
Pumpkin or butternut squash peeled and cubed
Whole scotch bonnet chili optional
Fresh mackerel cleaned and cut into chunks
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat and gently cook the diced onion until soft and translucent
2. Add garlic thyme allspice and cumin then stir gently until fragrant and well combined
3. Stir in chopped tomatoes pumpkin and coconut milk creating a smooth creamy base
4. Add the whole scotch bonnet chili then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
5. Allow the soup to cook uncovered until the vegetables are tender and the sauce thickens naturally
6. Carefully place the mackerel pieces on top of the sauce without stirring aggressively
7. Spoon sauce over the fish and let it simmer gently until the fish is just cooked and flaky
8. Remove from heat discard the chili adjust seasoning and garnish with fresh herbs before serving
Notes
Fresh fish gives the best texture and flavor for this recipe
Pumpkin adds natural sweetness and thickness but butternut squash works equally well
Keep the scotch bonnet whole for mild heat or remove early for a very gentle flavor
Avoid stirring too much once the fish is added to keep the pieces intact
The soup thickens slightly as it rests and flavors continue to develop
- Prep Time: about fifteen minutes
- Cook Time: about thirty minutes
- Category: soup and stew
- Method: stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Caribbean