Most of us have an appreciation of fish as we live on an island surrounded by the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, which is blessed with a variety of seafood. Fish in the Christian religion is symbolic. In fact, the Christian fish symbol means two things: the crossed tail represents the crucifixion of Christ, and also baptism, water and spiritual immersion. Early Christians who were persecuted used the fish symbol to identify one another.

I must confess I had no idea what to write, but the fish symbol for some reason kept playing over and over in my head while I was trying to brainstorm for this piece. Fish plays a huge role in the Lenten diet. What first came to mind was one of the miracles Jesus performed: the feeding of the five thousand with a few loaves of bread and five fishes, and the other story of the disciples who had a meal of fish after the resurrection. While researching what the fish symbol meant, I found out that in ancient Greek, the word for fish is Ichthys. The first five initials also coincide with Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter, which translates to Jesus Christ, Son of God.

During Lent, fish is the most popular protein consumed. Although it is animal flesh, it is not considered meat and therefore approved for consumption by most Christian denominations during this holy period. You would, I’m sure, have noticed just how many fast-food companies offer fish specialties during this time to capitalise on what must be the top period of fish consumption by the public. I’m also quite certain that sales of onions, carrots, cho cho and vinegar (ingredients in our much- beloved escoveitch pickle) soar at this time of year.

What’s fried fish without bammy? Many companies offer this delicious cassava treat. Although I must confess, whenever I go to St Elizabeth, I love to buy bammies from the ladies down there. Rainforest Seafoods, one of our local primary seafood suppliers, recently launched a bammy product in time for the season. Bammies are so versatile; they can be fried, steamed or baked. Today’s fish recipe is a simple one which I have paired with my mother’s delicious bammy recipe. Do enjoy!

Mediterranean Style Fish Fillets in Wine Lemon Caper Sauce

The perfect option for a light Lenten meal – it’s quick, easy and tasty.

Ingredients:

1kg/ 2lbs fish fillets (your choice)

1 large onion, sliced into rings

2 lemons, sliced into rings, seeds removed

1 glass of white wine

2 tbsps capers

Parsley, for garnish

Salt and pepper

Spanish paprika

Olive oil

Method:

Preheat oven to 350oF

Sauté onions in olive oil until brown. Set aside.

Season fish fillets to taste with salt, pepper and Spanish paprika

Line a baking dish with lemon slices, add half the onions and capers, place the fish fillets on top, then layer the remaining lemon, onions and capers on top.

Immerse in white wine.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes (or until fish begins to flake).

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Mummy’s Baked Coconut Bammies

My mother makes these all the time; they are simple and delicious. Today I am trying out Rainforest Seafoods bammies which have just hit the market. Naturally Mummy didn’t give me any measurements as she just freestyles like most brilliant cooks in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

Rainforest bammies

Coconut milk

Sugar to taste

Method:

Place bammies in a large bowl.

Add sugar to taste to coconut milk and mix well.

Pour coconut milk over bammies until covered and soak for at least an hour.

Preheat oven to 350F

Remove bammies and excess milk and place on greased baking tray.

Bake until golden brown.

Thanks to Rainforest Seafoods for the bammies.

Warmest thanks to my weekly food sponsors MegaMart

Contact me at juicycheffoodmedia@gmail.com

Bon Appétit!