Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this authentic Cayman Islands Fish Tea recipe. Bursting with the essence of fresh seafood and a medley of aromatic spices, this hearty soup is a culinary journey to the tropical paradise of the Cayman Islands. Traditionally served as a comforting dish for locals and cherished by visitors alike, Fish Tea embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with every spoonful of this soul-warming delicacy, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Let's dive into the depths of flavor and tradition with this delightful recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of fresh fish fillets (such as snapper, grouper, or mahi-mahi), cut into chunks
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) of water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional, for added heat)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1- In a large soup pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

2- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.

3- Pour in the water and add the chopped tomatoes, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5- Carefully add the fish chunks to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the broth. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

6- Season the fish tea with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to taste. Squeeze in the juice of one lime for a burst of freshness.

7- Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme sprigs, and bay leaves from the pot.

8- Serve the Cayman Islands Fish Tea hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.

9- Enjoy this traditional Caribbean delicacy as a starter or light meal, accompanied by slices of crusty bread or rice for a heartier dish.

10- Savor the flavors of the Cayman Islands with every spoonful of this comforting fish broth.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cayman Islands Fish Tea recipe:

Fresh Fish Fillets (1 lb / 450g):

• Calories: Approximately 340 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 70g
• Fat: Approximately 7g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals essential for overall health, including heart health and brain function.

Water (6 cups / 1.5 liters):

• Water has no calories, fat, protein, or carbohydrates.

benefits: Essential for hydration and overall bodily functions. It helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, and supports nutrient transportation.

Onion (1 medium, finely chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 44 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 1g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10g
• Fiber: Approximately 2g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Onions also contain vitamins C and B6, as well as dietary fiber, which may contribute to improved immune function and digestive health.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0.5g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

benefits: Known for its medicinal properties, garlic is high in sulfur compounds that have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved immune function, and enhanced detoxification.

Bell Pepper (1 medium, diced):

• Calories: Approximately 25 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 1g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 6g
• Fiber: Approximately 2g

benefits: Packed with vitamins A and C, bell peppers are excellent for skin health, immune support, and vision. They also provide fiber and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against certain chronic diseases.

Tomatoes (2 medium, chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 2g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g
• Fiber: Approximately 4g

benefits: A good source of vitamins C, K, and potassium, tomatoes are known for their antioxidant properties and potential benefits for heart health, skin health, and cancer prevention.

Thyme (2 sprigs):

• Calories: Approximately 5 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0.2g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

benefits: Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Thyme also provides vitamins C and A, as well as iron, which are important for immune function and blood health.

Bay Leaves (2 leaves):

• Calories: Approximately 5 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0.1g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1.5g

benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and various B vitamins, bay leaves may help improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support heart health. They also contain antioxidants that can protect cells from damage.

Scotch Bonnet Pepper (1 pepper):

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0.5g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

benefits: Provides capsaicin, a compound known for its pain-relieving and metabolism-boosting properties. Scotch bonnet peppers also contain vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
• Fat: Approximately 14g
• No significant protein or carbohydrates

benefits: A source of healthy fats, vegetable oil provides essential fatty acids that are important for brain health, hormone production, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: Approximately 15 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0.5g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3.5g

benefits: Concentrated source of lycopene, an antioxidant associated with reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Tomato paste also offers vitamins C and K, as well as potassium.

Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: Approximately 15 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3.5g

benefits: Adds depth of flavor and umami to dishes. While it's not a significant source of nutrients, Worcestershire sauce contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals from its ingredients, such as vinegar, molasses, and spices.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Nutritional values are negligible as they are used in small amounts.

benefits: Used in small amounts for flavoring, salt provides sodium, which is essential for nerve function and fluid balance. Pepper contains piperine, a compound that may enhance nutrient absorption and have antioxidant properties.

Lime Juice (Juice of 1 lime):

• Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0.2g
• Fat: Approximately 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3g

benefits: High in vitamin C, lime juice boosts immune function and enhances iron absorption. It also adds brightness and acidity to dishes.

Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for garnish):

• Nutritional values are negligible as they are used in small amounts.

benefits: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants, parsley and cilantro contribute to overall health and may help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used and cooking methods.