Description
A flavorful Nigerian dish featuring Ofada sauce paired with tender croaker fish and fluffy Ofada rice, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 small green bell peppers
- 2 small red bell peppers
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (or to taste)
- 1 small onion
- ½ cup palm oil (or oil of choice)
- 1 chicken seasoning cube
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium-sized croaker fish
- Additional salt for fish
- Lemon slices
- 2 cups Ofada rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 cups water
Instructions
- Start by roughly blending the green and red bell peppers, Scotch bonnet, and onion in a food processor until chunky.
- Heat palm oil in a large skillet on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Once the oil cools, add the pepper mixture, salt, and seasoning cube. Stir and fry for 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Scoop out half the sauce for the fish and cook the remaining sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Rinse the Ofada rice until the water runs clear. Boil until soft and set aside.
- Clean the fish, rinsing it with lemon slices and salt; pat dry. Make shallow cuts on both sides and season with salt, then rub the fried pepper sauce all over the fish.
- Wrap the fish in foil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes. Unwrap and bake for another 5-8 minutes.
- Serve hot with Ofada rice and fried plantains on the side.
Notes
Always taste the sauce while cooking to adjust spice levels and seasoning. For a vegetarian option, replace the fish with grilled vegetables or tofu.