Fish and fungi (pronounced foon-ji), the Caribbean version of polenta, is often viewed as the unofficial dish of both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as nearby Antigua and Anguilla. It dates back to the days of Danish rule, when cornmeal and salt herring were the foundation of slaves’ rations.
Published: September 26, 2016
Ingredients
Directions
Heat oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, peppers, celery, garlic, thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook until tender and starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Add vinegar, tomatoes, tomato paste and ¼ cup water. Reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes. Add salt to taste. Reserve sauce.
To make fungi, bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to boil. Whisking constantly, gradually add cornmeal in thin stream. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring frequently, until it holds its shape on a spoon but the cornmeal is tender, at least 15 minutes. Add more water if it becomes thick but the cornmeal is still tough. Add butter and okra. Add salt to taste.
In a wide saucepan, bring 8 cups water to boil. Add lime juice, and reduce heat to low. Add fish. Simmer 10 minutes, or until it flakes easily with fork. Drain well.
To serve, put 2 scoops fungi and a fish fillet on each plate. Spoon sauce over and around fish. Serves 4.
Pair It
Louis Jadot 2012 Puligny-Montrachet. “This Chardonnay is delicate, firm, and has great depth,” says George Williams, wine director at Antigua’s Curtain Bluff resort, which has perhaps the best wine list in the Caribbean. “Concentrated fresh-fruit and vanilla aromas carry onto the palate, with a very long finish. An excellent pairing with fungi and fish.”