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Fish, Africa and overseas

Fish pimentade with rice

Fish pimentade with rice is a French Guiana dish for 4 people, ready in 45 minutes, rated easy, at about €3.30 per person. Hake simmers in a thick tomato sauce spiked with chili and garlic, served over white rice. The key to success is adding the chili gradually and tasting as you go.

Tonight we're flying to French Guiana with a fish pimentade, in a fiery tomato sauce, served with rice.

Fish pimentade with rice
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€3.30
Calories per person
620 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall

Pimentade blends tomato, garlic, and chili into a thick sauce that coats the hake without overpowering it. The fish cooks gently in this fragrant bath, staying tender and flaking apart easily. Lime adds a bright note that lifts the whole dish, while the white rice tames the heat with every bite.

This is a good weeknight dish when you want a change of scenery without much fuss, or a Sunday option to break from familiar French classics. Mon Chou suggests going easy on the chili if you're cooking for guests who aren't used to spicy food. This recipe works best for adventurous adults rather than kids.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Hake fillets 700 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 2
  • Tomatoes 5
  • Garlic 4 cloves
  • Chili peppers 2
  • Green onions 3
  • Parsley 1 sprigs
  • Lime 1

Pantry

  • Riceoften in the pantry 280 g
  • Oiloften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Fish

The step by step recipe

  1. Cook the sliced onions and garlic in the oil until golden. 8 min

    Nicely golden onions add roundness to a spicy sauce.

  2. Add the diced tomatoes and chopped chili peppers, cook until the sauce thickens. 15 min

    Remove the chili seeds if you prefer a milder dish.

  3. Drizzle the fish with lime juice, season with salt, and slide the fillets into the sauce.

    Lime firms up the flesh and adds a lively kick.

  4. Cover and cook gently until the fish flakes apart. 8 min

    Don't stir, just spoon the sauce over the fish.

  5. Cook the rice in salted water and serve the pimentade with the green onions and parsley. 11 min

    White rice is perfect for tempering the heat.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pick ripe tomatoes, they make for a smoother sauce with natural sweetness that balances the heat.
  • Cut the hake into even pieces before adding it to the sauce, so it cooks evenly throughout.
  • Make the tomato sauce ahead of time if you want to save effort on the night, it only gets better after resting a few hours.

The variations

  • Swap the hake for cod or monkfish, two firm white fish that hold up well to cooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with chickpeas or firm tofu, adding them near the end so they soak up the sauce.
  • For a milder version that works for kids, remove the chili seeds and cut the amount in half.

What to serve it with

  • Plain white rice
  • Extra lime wedges
  • Chilled lemon water

Storage

Pimentade keeps for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It doesn't freeze well since the fish loses its texture. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, without boiling, to keep the hake from drying out.

Questions about this dish

Can I use a different fish instead of hake?

Yes, any firm white fish works well, like cod or monkfish. Avoid delicate fish that might fall apart too quickly in the sauce.

How do I tone down the pimentade if it's too spicy?

Add extra rice or plain yogurt to your plate, they help absorb the heat. You can also thin the sauce with a bit of water or tomato puree.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the tomato sauce through step 2 and store it in the fridge. The next day, reheat it and add the fresh fish to finish cooking.

What does the lime do in this recipe?

Lime firms up the fish before cooking and adds a touch of acidity that balances the heat. It also works well in place of vinegar to brighten the sauce.

How long does it take to make a fish pimentade with rice?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a fish pimentade with rice?

About 620 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a fish pimentade with rice cost?

About €3.30 per serving, or €13.20 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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