Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant region of French Guiana with our exquisite Fricassée de Chatrou recipe. Fricassée de Chatrou, a traditional dish deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of French Guiana, tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavors and unique ingredients.

Chatrou, a local freshwater fish abundant in the rivers of French Guiana, takes center stage in this delectable fricassee. Cooked to perfection with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, herbs, and vegetables, each bite offers a symphony of flavors that reflect the cultural diversity of the region.

Served hot and fragrant, Fricassée de Chatrou embodies the essence of French Guianese cuisine, capturing the essence of its lush landscapes and vibrant traditions. Whether enjoyed as a comforting family meal or shared among friends during festive gatherings, this dish promises an unforgettable culinary experience that transports you to the heart of French Guiana's culinary delights.

Ingredients:

• 500g catfish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme, dried
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fish or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

2- Add the diced bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

3- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, combining well with the onion, garlic, and bell pepper mixture.

4- Sprinkle in the thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, stirring to evenly distribute the spices.

5- Carefully add the catfish pieces to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they start to brown slightly.

6- Pour the fish or vegetable broth into the skillet, ensuring it covers the catfish pieces. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

7- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the Fricassée de Chatrou simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the catfish to cook through.

8- Once the catfish is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove the bay leaf from the skillet.

9- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

10- Serve the Fricassée de Chatrou hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.

Enjoy this flavorful French Guianese dish with family and friends, savoring the unique blend of spices and the tender texture of the catfish.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in the Fricassée de Chatrou recipe:

Catfish (per 100g):

• Calories: 105 kcal
• Protein: 20.5g
• Fat: 2.2g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 57mg
• Sodium: 43mg

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in fat and calories, making it suitable for various dietary plans.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and inflammation reduction.

Olive Oil (per tablespoon - 15ml):

• Calories: 119 kcal
• Fat: 13.5g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 9.9g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.4g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative damage.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to better digestion.

Onion (per 100g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Protein: 1.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Fiber: 1.7g
• Sugars: 4.7g

benefits:

• High in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids and quercetin, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that support gut health and digestion.
• Provides vitamins C and B6, which are essential for immune function and energy metabolism.

Garlic (per clove):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g
• Sugars: 0.1g

benefits:

• Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to boost the immune system and fight infections.
• Contains sulfur compounds like allicin, which may help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
• Rich in antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging.

Bell Pepper (per 100g):

• Calories: 31 kcal
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugars: 4.2g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Contains carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein, which are beneficial for eye health.
• Provides fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Tomato (per 100g):

• Calories: 18 kcal
• Protein: 0.9g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugars: 2.6g

benefits:

• Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of certain cancers and promote heart health.
• Contains vitamin A and potassium, which support vision and heart function, respectively.
• Low in calories and high in water content, making it hydrating and suitable for weight management.

Tomato Paste (per tablespoon - 15g):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 2.9g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Sugars: 1.9g

benefits:

• Concentrated source of lycopene and other antioxidants found in tomatoes.
• Adds depth of flavor and richness to dishes without excess calories or fat.
• Contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.

Fish or Vegetable Broth (per cup - 240ml):

• Calories: 7 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.3g

benefits:

• Provides hydration and adds moisture to dishes without adding significant calories.
• Contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which help maintain fluid balance in the body.
• Can be a source of vitamins and minerals depending on the ingredients used.

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