Barbados - Fried Fish with Peas n' Rice

Barbados is the land of the flying fish! They appear on their water, on their coins and on their plates. To celebrate the culture and cuisine of Barbados, this week I cooked fried fish with peas n’ rice.

Barbados is an island country in the Caribbean. It is the 13th smallest country in the world. Since the 17th century, Barbados has functioned as a major sea link between Western Europe and South America. Originally inhabited by the Kalinago people, in the late 15th century Spanish navigators claimed Barbados for the Spanish crown. In 1625, the English arrived and claimed Barbados for King James I. In 1966, Barbados gained its independence but remained a part of the British Commonwealth.

Flying fish are a popular food item in Barbados but also a fascinating animal that is depicted on the Barbadian one dollar coin. Flying fish are commonly found in warm tropical waters. There are 64 species of flying fish but the one common to Barbados is the Hirundichthys affinis, which grows to about 25 cm long and is shaped like a herring. Rapid and powerful movements from their tail and their large pectoral fins allow them to glide along the water or into the air. They swim close to the water's surface, accelerate and then burst into the air. Flying Fish can travel around 50 m and can reach speeds of more than 70 km/h.

Another fascinating part of Barbados culture is the Barbados Landship, which is a unique organisation that has been around since the 1800s. The Landship currently exists as a theatrical group that performs dances and marches which reflect the passage of ships that brought African slaves to the Caribbean. The performers dress in naval uniforms and the structure of their organisation mirrors that of the British Navy. The organisation was formed in 1863 by African plantation workers who were emancipated from slavery. The Landship helped the workers both socially and economically by providing a safe haven for its members to progress out of poverty. The members would pool together their resources to provide support to its less fortunate members.

Barbadian cuisine is a blend of West African, Indian and British food and cooking styles. A typical Bajan (slang for Barbadian) meal consists of meat or fish that is marinated with herbs and spices, and served with a hot side dish and salads. Commonly found vegetables in Bajan cuisine are okra, sweet potatoes, onion, pumpkin and spinach. Rice is most commonly cooked with some kind of pulse such as black-eyed peas or lentils. The most popular way to season meals in Barbados is with Bajan Seasoning, which is a blend of herbs, chilli and spices. Fish is an extremely popular food on the island of Barbados, with one of their national dishes being flying fish. The fried fish meal that I cooked this week typically uses flying fish, however, because that is not something I could get locally, you can substitute any other mild white fish.

Bajan Seasoning

• 2 spring onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 chilli
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp marjoram
• 1 tsp basil
• 4 Tbs vinegar
• 1 tbs lime juice
• ½ tsp curry powder
• Salt and pepper

Blend all of the ingredients together in a food processor until a paste/sauce forms.

Peas n’ Rice

• 1 cup of black eyed peas or pigeon peas (beans in Australia)
• 1 cup rice
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 cups stock
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 Tbs Bajan seasoning

In a large pot add diced onion and cook until translucent

Add peas, bay leaves, Bajan seasoning, and saute for 5 minutes.

Add the stock and bring to boil.**

Add rice, bring to simmer and cook until rice is done.

**Note: if you have dried peas soak them overnight in water and then boil them in the stock (before adding the rice) for 30 mins or until soft.

Fried Fish

• 500g fish fillets
• Juice of 2 limes (about 4 Tbs)
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups water
• 2 Tbs Bajan seasoning
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• ½ cup flour
•  2 eggs, whisked

Marinate the fish fillets in lime juice, salt and water for 15 mins

Pat dry the fish and cover in Bajan seasoning.

Batter the fish by dipping it in the flour, then eggs and then breadcrumbs.

Fry the fish in oil until golden brown.

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We both really loved the Bajan Seasoning! I think it could be a great addition to lots of meals. The lime and the chilli flavours worked really well together and they made the dishes refreshing but not too hot. The rice was a nice comfort food. Its texture was a little bit like risotto but the beans prevented it from being too mushy. The fish was also really nice but it was a little dry. I think it could do better with a sauce. I did enjoy the crunchy, crumbly texture of the batter but the Bajan Seasoning was the highlight. I think you could just marinate the fish and grill it for a healthier option and it would taste just as nice!

181 meals to go. Next stop on my world tour: Belarus!