Fish in Tomato Oilve Sauce

Puerto Rican Fish in Tomato Olive Sauce

 

This dish is very common in Porto Rico, OK that's what I came to know from different websites and books. Because I've never visited this wonderful country nor do I know anyone from there, who could give me a first hand experience in Puerto Rican cuisine. Out of my own curiosity I visited different websites and came across some wonderful dishes, out of which, Mojo Isleno or Fish in Island sauce sounded interesting. When I first tried out this dish in my kitchen and very apprehensively served it to my husband and sons, I was not prepared for their reaction. They were unanimous in their decision that this Fish tasted real good. After that, I have confidently prepared and served this dis in number of family gatherings and get together and always it passed out with flying colours. So here it is for you to find out...

 

Preparation Time :  15 minutes

Cooking Time      :  40 minutes

Difficulty              :  Easy

Serves                  :  4 - 6

 

Ingredients :

1/2 cup Olive oil (divided in two equal potions of 1/4) 

1 Onion, chopped  

1 Bell pepper, chopped 

4-6 cloves Garlic, minced

2 cups red and ripe Tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced

2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar (you can use normal vinegar if you wish) 

1/4 cupGreen olives, pitted

1 tablespoon Capers, rinsed (Capers are available bottled in most food markets)

1 or 2 Bay leaf

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

1 Kilo of Fish fillets, cut in serving size (use any white fish or King fish)

Method :

1) Heat a saucepan over medium flame and add the first 1/4 cup olive oil in it . let the oil heat up properly.

 

2) Add the onions and peppers and saute until the onions are translucent. This will take about 3 - 4 minutes.

 

3) Add the garlic and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes.

 

4) Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, olives, capers, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until somewhat reduced. No need to add extra water as Tomatoes are going to release sufficient water once the salt id added.

 

5) Heat a saute pan over medium high flame and add the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil in . Let it heat up properly.

 

6) Meanwhile, season the fish with salt and pepper and then saute on both sides until both sides are lightly browned. This will take about 3 - 4 minutes on each side. If you want it to be on rarer side, keep for just a couple of minutes.

 

7) Once the fish fillets are done, pour the prepared sauce over the fish and simmer until the fish is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.

 

8) Serve hot with white rice, brown rice, salad or even mashed tapioca.

Variations :You can use other seafood like shrimp or scallops in place of the fish.

Marinate the fish in some minced garlic and lime juice before sauteing if you like. This gives the fish a slightly different taste.

The fish can also be grilled and the sauce served on the side, along with a salad. This makes the dish look more restaurant type.