SEAFOOD POTJIE – FISH-ONLY OUTDOOR STEW

SEAFOOD POTJIE – FISH-ONLY OUTDOOR STEW

A Cape-inspired outdoor favorite, this seafood potjie uses fresh fish simmered slowly with vegetables and spices. Perfect for gatherings, it delivers rich flavor and hearty comfort straight from the fire.

INGREDIENTS

• 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) firm white fish fillets (e.g., hake, kingklip, or cod), cut into chunks
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 400 g / 14 oz canned tomatoes)
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) vegetable oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) garlic paste
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) ginger paste
• 10 g (2 tsp) ground cumin
• 10 g (2 tsp) ground coriander
• 10 g (2 tsp) paprika
• 5 g (1 tsp) chili powder (optional, adjust to taste)
• 500 ml (2 cups) fish stock or water
• 250 ml (1 cup) coconut milk or fresh cream
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a heavy potjie pot over medium heat outdoors.
2. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili powder. Toast spices for 1 minute.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until softened and the oil begins to separate.
6. Stir in potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes.
7. Add fish stock and simmer until vegetables are nearly tender (about 15 minutes).
8. Gently add fish chunks and coconut milk, simmering for 10–12 minutes until fish is cooked through but not broken apart.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, pap, or crusty bread.

HELPFUL COOKING TIPS

• Use firm fish to prevent breaking apart during slow cooking.
• Avoid stirring too much once fish is added; gently shake the pot instead.
• Cook outdoors over steady coals for authentic potjie flavor.
• Add vegetables later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Let the potjie rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

PREP TIME

• 25 minutes

COOKING TIME

• 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME

• 1 hour 5 minutes

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~28 g
• Protein: ~30 g
• Fat: ~12 g
• Fiber: ~5 g

DIETARY TAGS

• High-protein
• Gluten-free
• Dairy-free
• Nut-free

ALLERGEN INFORMATION

• Contains fish (major allergen).
• Contains coconut milk, which may not be suitable for individuals with coconut allergies.