Fish with Okra & Loomi

YKGrub · May 2026 · Serves 4

For the Fish

• Cod fillets, cut into large chunks
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt & pepper

For the Stew

• 2 onions, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2–3 tsp loomi powder (or 2 whole dried limes, pierced)
• 300g okra — fresh or frozen; if fresh, trim but keep whole
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup fresh coriander + dill, chopped
• 1 green chilli (optional)
• 2½ cups hot water or fish stock
• Cardamom, cumin, black pepper, salt to taste

Method

1. Fry the fish

Rub cod chunks in turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pan-fry until golden on both sides. Set aside.

2. Build the base

In the same pan, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic and spices (cardamom, cumin, black pepper), cook 1 min.

3. Add aromatics

Add loomi powder, coriander, dill, chilli, and chopped tomatoes. Sauté 5 min until tomatoes soften.

4. Simmer the stew

Add tomato paste and stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 min.

5. Add okra

Add okra and simmer 10 min. Don't stir too much — excess agitation makes okra release slime.

6. Add the fish

Nestle the fried cod into the stew. Simmer gently for 15–20 min until the fish is cooked through and has absorbed the stew flavors.

7. Serve

Over vermicelli rice or with pita.