Kedgeree (after Jamie Oliver)

Kedgeree - A Dish with Tradition and Flavor

Kedgeree is a recipe with a fascinating past, blending Indian influences with British culinary traditions. This dish, which traces its origins to fish preparations in India over six centuries ago, has become a breakfast favorite in England, especially due to its popularity during the colonial period. Today, I will present a delicious kedgeree recipe inspired by the famous chef Jamie Oliver, combining simple ingredients with rich flavors and a dash of history.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 700 g smoked fish (salmon is ideal, but you can use other types)
- 150 g rice (preferably basmati)
- 100 g butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1-2 tomatoes, peeled and diced
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1-2 cm fresh ginger, grated
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon curry (adjust to taste)
- 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (optional, according to preference)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
- Natural yogurt, for serving
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Fish
Start by placing the smoked fish in a pot of water, adding the two bay leaves. Let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. This step will help soften the fish and extract its flavors. If using salmon, its flavor will be truly delicious.

2. Cooking the Rice
While the fish is simmering, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice well under cold water to remove excess starch. Then, add it to a pot of salted water and cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes). Basmati rice has a slightly floral aroma that will blend perfectly with the other ingredients.

3. Preparing the Flavorful Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This is when your kitchen will start to smell delicious. Add the grated ginger, chili pepper (if using), and mustard seeds, letting everything sauté for 2-3 minutes.

4. Adding the Tomatoes and Spices
Add the diced tomatoes and lemon juice to the skillet. Mix well and let the sauce cook until the tomatoes soften and turn into a smooth sauce, about 5-7 minutes. Add the curry and stir until the flavors combine.

5. Finishing the Dish
Once the fish is cooked, remove it from the water, discard the skin, and flake it into pieces. Add the cooked rice, fish, chopped coriander, and boiled eggs to the sauce in the skillet. Gently mix to avoid breaking the fish or eggs. The taste will be a blend of textures and flavors, each ingredient playing its unique role.

6. Serving
Serve the kedgeree warm, alongside a spoonful of natural yogurt. The yogurt will add a note of freshness and balance the spicy flavors. You can garnish with a few whole coriander leaves for an attractive presentation.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Fish: Smoked fish is essential in this recipe. Salmon brings a rich flavor, but you can also experiment with other smoked fish, such as haddock, for a traditional alternative.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of curry and chili pepper according to your preferences. Kedgeree can be adapted for all tastes.
- Vegetarian Option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the fish with smoked tofu and add vegetables like carrots or peas to maintain a crunchy texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Kedgeree is a balanced meal that provides protein from fish and eggs, carbohydrates from rice, and fiber from vegetables. Smoked fish is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use brown rice? Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time.
- What other sides can I serve alongside? Besides yogurt, a fresh vegetable salad or pickles would add a pleasant contrast.
- Is kedgeree suitable for breakfast? Absolutely! This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, but it can also be enjoyed at lunch or dinner.

I hope this kedgeree recipe brings a touch of tradition and exotic flavor to your kitchen. Experiment with the ingredients and make it to suit your personal tastes. I would love to hear about your variations and how your cooking experience was!