A Taste of Trinidad: Mastering Chief Brand Fish Masala

There’s a comfort that comes with a perfectly spiced curry, and in Trinidad, few dishes evoke that feeling like a well-made fish masala. This recipe is a nod to those vibrant, authentic flavors that fill a Trini kitchen, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. To truly capture that essence, you need authentic ingredients, and My Trini Grocery is your one-stop shop for everything you need.

Ingredients

• For the Fish:
• 4 Fish Steaks, 1/2 inch King Fish slices
• 1 1/2 tsp Chief All Purpose Seasoning
• 2 tbsp Chief Green Seasoning
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 1 Egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup Flour
• 1/2 cup Cornmeal Flour
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• Vegetable Oil, to fry
• For the Fish Masala:
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 3 tbsp Onions, minced
• 2 tsp Garlic, minced
• 3 Pimento Peppers, minced
• 2 Medium Tomatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp Chief Ground Masala
• 1 1/4 cups Water
• 1 tbsp Chadon Beni, chopped
• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Place your fish slices on a plate and pat dry. Season generously with a blend of Chief All Purpose Seasoning and Chief Green Seasoning, rubbing it in well. Let the fish marinate for 10 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, paprika, and a dash of black pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan for deep frying.
4. Lightly dust the fish in the flour-cornmeal mixture, dip into the egg-milk mixture, and then coat again in the flour-cornmeal mixture.
5. When oil is at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, fry the breaded fish steaks for 2 minutes on each side until cooked and flaky. Place on napkins to absorb excess oil.
6. For the curried sauce, heat a cast iron pot over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, pimentos, and tomatoes for about 1 minute.
7. Sprinkle in the Chief Ground Masala and cook for another minute, stirring to toast the spices.
8. Add the water and stir to dissolve the curry. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes.
9. Uncover the pot and gently place the fried fish pieces into the sauce, basting them carefully.
10. Cover and cook for another 3 minutes.
11. Uncover, sprinkle in the chopped Chadon Beni, and cook for 1 more minute.
12. Taste the sauce and adjust with additional salt or other spices if needed.
13. Remove from heat, cover, and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips or Serving Suggestions

• To enhance the flavor of the sauce, you can also add a tablespoon of Chief Curry Powder to the pot along with the ground masala.
• This dish is traditionally served with boiled rice or dumplings, which are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

Ready to make this at home? Get all your authentic Chief Brand spices and other Trini essentials delivered right to your door. Shop now at My Trini Grocery!