Secrets of Escovitch Revealed
When you think of Escovitch, you assume that it's quite complicated. Not the case! Today we have a simplified Escovitch Fish recipe, with a twist, easily made in your own home.
"Escovitch", despite its fancy name, is simply a Jamaican version of Ceviche. The fish is usually fried, then liberally seasoned with a pickling sauce, made from vinegar, pimento, onions, pepper, and carrots. In this recipe, a fish fillet is used, instead of the traditional whole fish. You can choose to use snapper or another light white fish filet, adjusting the spice level to your own taste. Now, let's get this adventure started!
Ingredients:
4-6 fish filets
2 small red onions, sliced
6 pimento berries (black peppercorns), whole
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 bay leaf
1 medium white onion, sliced
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 red, green, or yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
1-2 medium carrots, cut into thin strips
2 sprigs thyme, 1 whole and 1 finely chopped
1/2 cup light colored vinegar (i.e. apple cider or white vinegar)
1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded, de-veined, and diced
(You can substitute for chili pepper for less spice)
Oil for frying
Instructions:
To prepare the fish, rinse them well first, then pat dry. Season with salt and pepper, then coat filets with flour mixture, and fry, over high heat, until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside to drain, on paper towel-lined plate.
Second, prepare the pickle by sautéing garlic, just until soft, then add all vegetables and herbs, and cook for about 5 minutes. Next, add the vinegar, let it reduce, add brown sugar and pimento berries, then remove bay leaf and thyme sprig. Remove from heat. Side note: The pickle contains the best flavor and consistency when made ahead of time.
Finally, prepare and warm your desired bammy bread flavor, place fish on top of bammy, spoon escovitch mixture over each fish, then serve! These make a tasty, bread-free sandwich, with a crispy, tangy, and spicy filling packed in between!
To keep this a completely gluten-free recipe, substitute the wheat flour for Jah Manna Cassava Flour, which substitutes in a 1:1 ratio for wheat flour. Good news for our celiac friends. :)
