Escovitch fish is a Jamaican favorite, known for its flavorful combination of crispy fried fish and tangy pickled vegetables. However, the real magic of this dish comes from the sides that accompany it. A great side dish can take a good meal to the next level, and the right pairing can make all the difference. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore seven mouth-watering side dishes that pair perfectly with escovitch fish. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, savory, or spicy, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavor combinations, then you’ll love pairing escovitch fish with sweet plantains . These caramelized bananas are the perfect complement to the tangy fish, and add a touch of sweetness to every bite.
Festival is another Jamaican favorite that goes perfectly with escovitch fish. This cornbread fritter is crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making it the perfect vessel for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
For a classic Jamaican side dish, look no further than rice and peas . This staple dish is made with kidney beans, rice, and coconut milk, and adds a creamy, comforting element to every bite of escovitch fish.
If you’re in the mood for something crunchy and refreshing, try pairing escovitch fish with coleslaw . This creamy, crunchy salad is the perfect counterpoint to the spicy fish, and adds a much-needed dose of freshness to the plate.
Looking for a healthy side dish option? Try callaloo , a nutritious Jamaican green that’s packed with vitamins and minerals. This leafy green is slightly bitter and adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the bold flavors of escovitch fish.
With these seven delicious side dishes, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your escovitch fish. But don’t stop there! Keep reading for tips on how to prepare the perfect escovitch fish, and learn about the history and culture behind this iconic Jamaican dish.
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Sweet Plantains: The Perfect Complement to Spicy Fish
If you’re looking for a side dish to pair with your escovitch fish, look no further than sweet plantains. This classic Caribbean dish is the perfect complement to the spicy flavors of escovitch fish, and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat. Whether you’re making escovitch fish for a special occasion or just for a weeknight dinner, sweet plantains are a must-have side dish.
One of the best things about sweet plantains is how versatile they are. They can be served fried, baked, or even mashed. No matter how you prepare them, they’ll always be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to find at most grocery stores, making them a convenient choice for any meal.
How to Prepare Sweet Plantains
- To fry sweet plantains, slice them into thin rounds and fry them in hot oil until golden brown.
- To bake sweet plantains, slice them in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Brush them with oil and bake in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and caramelized.
- To make mashed sweet plantains, boil them until they’re soft and then mash them with butter, salt, and pepper.
Other Side Dishes to Consider
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few other side dishes that pair well with escovitch fish:
- Coconut rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice complements the spiciness of escovitch fish perfectly.
- Callaloo: This leafy green vegetable is a staple in Caribbean cuisine and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
- Fried dumplings: These fluffy, fried dough balls are a tasty and filling addition to any meal.
Now that you know some of the best side dishes to pair with escovitch fish, it’s time to start cooking. Whether you choose sweet plantains, coconut rice, callaloo, or fried dumplings, you can’t go wrong with any of these delicious options. So go ahead and experiment with different side dishes until you find the perfect pairing for your escovitch fish.
Festival: The Jamaican Cornbread That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing
When it comes to the perfect side dish for escovitch fish, look no further than festival. Festival is a sweet, fried cornbread that originated in Jamaica and is often served alongside seafood dishes. Its name is derived from the idea that it is a “celebration” food, making it the perfect accompaniment to any festive meal.
The beauty of festival lies in its simplicity. Made with just a few basic ingredients, including cornmeal, flour, sugar, and spices, it is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Festival is typically served in a long, cylindrical shape, making it easy to hold and dip into sauces and gravies.
How to Make Festival
Making festival is a breeze. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add the water and milk and mix until a thick batter forms. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a spoon, drop the batter into the oil in small portions and fry until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Ways to Serve Festival
While festival is delicious on its own, it can also be served with a variety of toppings and dipping sauces. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Serve festival with a spicy dipping sauce made with scotch bonnet peppers, vinegar, and sugar.
- Top festival with a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.
- Use festival as a base for mini “slider” sandwiches, topped with your favorite seafood or meat.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or just looking for a new side dish to try, festival is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and see why it’s one of Jamaica’s most beloved foods!
Rice and Peas: A Classic Jamaican Staple
Jamaican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty dishes, and no meal is complete without a serving of rice and peas. Despite its name, this classic Jamaican staple is actually made with kidney beans, which are cooked with rice in coconut milk and spices.
The dish is typically served alongside curried meats or stewed vegetables and is a beloved part of Jamaican culture. Many families have their own unique twist on the recipe, with variations that include adding thyme, scallions, or even coconut shavings.
The History of Rice and Peas
Rice and peas has a long history in Jamaican cuisine, dating back to the time of slavery on the island. Enslaved Africans brought with them their own culinary traditions and adapted them to the ingredients that were available on the island.
One of the key ingredients in rice and peas is coconut milk, which was readily available on the island and served as a substitute for the palm oil that was used in West African cuisine. Over time, the dish became a staple of Jamaican cuisine and is now considered a national dish of the island.
How to Make Rice and Peas
- Ingredients:
- 1 can of kidney beans
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Drain and rinse the kidney beans, then set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the kidney beans, thyme, salt, pepper, and coconut milk to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir until combined.
- Cover the pot and let simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
There you have it, a delicious and authentic Jamaican recipe for rice and peas that will transport your taste buds to the beautiful island of Jamaica.
Coleslaw: The Crunchy and Creamy Side Dish You Never Knew You Needed
When it comes to side dishes, coleslaw is often overlooked. However, this crunchy and creamy dish is the perfect complement to a wide range of main dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a summer barbecue or a winter potluck, coleslaw is a versatile and delicious choice that is sure to please everyone at the table.
One of the great things about coleslaw is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, including cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, you can create a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. Plus, coleslaw is easy to customize to your taste preferences by adding in ingredients like apples, raisins, or jalapenos.
The Origins of Coleslaw
- Coleslaw is believed to have originated in the Netherlands in the 18th century as a way to preserve cabbage during long sea voyages.
- The name “coleslaw” comes from the Dutch word “koolsla,” which means “cabbage salad.”
- Today, coleslaw is enjoyed all over the world and has many different variations.
Health Benefits of Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a healthy side dish, coleslaw is a great option. Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable that is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Plus, many coleslaw recipes are made with Greek yogurt or other low-fat ingredients, making it a healthier choice than other creamy side dishes like potato salad.
How to Make Coleslaw
- To make coleslaw, start by shredding cabbage and carrots and mixing them together in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- For best results, refrigerate the coleslaw for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Overall, coleslaw is a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy texture and creamy dressing, it’s no wonder that coleslaw has become a staple on menus around the world.
Callaloo: A Nutritious and Flavorful Jamaican Green
If you’re a fan of leafy greens, then you’ll definitely want to try callaloo, a popular Jamaican dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful. Callaloo is typically made with the leaves of the amaranth plant, which is packed with vitamins and minerals.
Callaloo can be prepared in many ways, but it’s most commonly sautéed with onions, garlic, and peppers, and sometimes with coconut milk or other seasonings for added flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own as a side dish or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Nutritional Benefits of Callaloo
- High in fiber: Callaloo is rich in fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of certain diseases.
- Loaded with vitamins: Callaloo is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, which is important for fetal development during pregnancy.
- Rich in iron: Callaloo is also a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells and can help prevent anemia.
How to Prepare Callaloo
Preparing callaloo is relatively easy, but it’s important to wash the leaves thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris. Once the leaves are clean, they can be chopped and sautéed with onions, garlic, and peppers in a little bit of oil until tender. Some recipes call for the addition of coconut milk or other seasonings, so be sure to follow your recipe carefully.
Ways to Enjoy Callaloo
- As a side dish: Callaloo makes a delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or other Caribbean-inspired dishes.
- In a sandwich or wrap: Use callaloo as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a nutritious and flavorful meal on-the-go.
- In a soup or stew: Callaloo can also be used as a base for soups or stews, adding a hearty and nutritious element to your favorite recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some traditional sides to eat with Escovitch fish?
Escovitch fish is a popular Jamaican dish that is often served with a variety of sides. Some traditional options include rice and peas, festival (a fried dumpling), plantains, or sweet potato.
What type of vegetables can I serve with Escovitch fish?
If you want to incorporate more vegetables into your meal, consider serving a side salad with fresh greens and tomatoes, steamed cabbage, or callaloo (a Jamaican green similar to spinach).
What beverages pair well with Escovitch fish?
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your Escovitch fish, try a glass of lemonade or ginger beer, which are popular choices in Jamaica. If you prefer an alcoholic beverage, a light beer or a rum-based cocktail can be a great complement to the dish.
Can I serve Escovitch fish with bread?
Yes, you can certainly serve Escovitch fish with bread. Some traditional options include hard dough bread, bammy (a Jamaican cassava flatbread), or even white sandwich bread.
What type of fish is typically used in Escovitch fish?
The most common fish used in Escovitch fish is red snapper, but other firm white fish such as kingfish or mackerel can also be used.
How spicy is Escovitch fish?
The level of spiciness in Escovitch fish can vary depending on the recipe. Typically, the dish is seasoned with a mix of spices including allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers, which can give it a bit of a kick. If you prefer less spice, you can adjust the amount of pepper used in the recipe.