Lush Tanzanian Coconut Fish Curry with Plantain Fried Rice
Discover the rich flavors of Tanzania with a luscious fish curry enriched by creamy coconut milk, fresh spices, and a side of aromatic plantain fried rice.

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Prepping the Fish and Spices
- 1
Prepare and Cut Fish
Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry, then cut them into chunks.
- 2
Mix Spices
Mix turmeric, coriander, cumin, and paprika together in a small bowl.
Tip: Toast the spices before adding them to the curry to enhance their flavors.
- 3
Sauté Aromatics
In a saucepan, heat coconut oil and sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant.
Preparing the Plantain Fried Rice
- 1
Cook Rice
Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions until fluffy. Set aside.
- 2
Fry Plantains
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and fry the plantains until golden. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add bell pepper and curry powder. Cook for another 3 minutes.
How to Make Lush Tanzanian Coconut Fish Curry with Plantain Fried Rice
Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings
- 1
Simmering the Curry
Add the spice mix to the onions and cook for 1 minute before stirring in the coconut milk and chopped tomatoes.
- 2
Cooking the Fish
Gently add fish chunks to the sauce and simmer until the fish is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened (about 15 minutes).
- 3
Finishing the Rice
Mix cooked rice with fried plantains, parsley, and season with salt.
Chef's Tips
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute with any firm white fish such as cod or haddock.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the fish with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
You can use almond or soy milk mixed with a tablespoon of coconut cream.
Can I prepare the rice a day before?
Yes, making the rice ahead can enhance the flavors when it's reheated with the plantains.
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