How to Make Jamaican Fish Tea (Fish Soup)

I always loved this soup when I was growing up in the Caribbean, and today it is still one of my favorites. My kids love it, too.

What Kind of Name Is "Fish Tea"?

"Fish tea" may seem like an odd name for a fish soup, but there is a reason for this name choice. The reason has to do with the fact that the broth for this soup is very thin, containing only a few ingredients. In Jamaica, where I grew up, it is typically a summertime soup—although I enjoy eating it year-round.

Don’t Let the Name Fool You

Let me tell you what fish tea is not:

• It's not a tea.
• It's not something you drink out of a dainty teacup that is decorated with flowers.

Now let me tell you what fish tea is:

• It's a soup that I enjoy during the summers, especially on a rainy day.
• It’s a fish-based soup laden with lots of delicious goodness in every bite.

When I was growing up in Jamaica, we used the whole fish in this soup. This meant that when we were drinking it, we were constantly looking out for bones.

When I make this soup today, however, I use de-boned fillets. It is much easier to eat, and it's much safer, as well—especially if there are children at the table.

Cook Time and Yield

Ingredients

• 8 cups water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 pound pumpkin, chopped
• 6 small potatoes, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 green sweet pepper, chopped
• 1 red sweet pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1 habanero pepper
• 2 to 4 scallions, chopped
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Your choice of herbs and spices; e.g., cumin, basil, oregano (optional)
• 2 pounds fish fillet (any type)
• 1 (15-oz. can) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, add 8 cups of water and salt. Bring to the boil.
2. Add pumpkin. Cook for about 10 minutes to soften the pumpkin.
3. Add potatoes, onion, carrot, peppers, scallions, and garlic.
4. Add herbs and spices. Boil for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
5. Add fish and coconut milk. Stir well.
6. Bring the soup back up to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 30 more minutes.
7. Enjoy!

Add Pumpkin to Boiling Water

Add Potato

Add Remaining Vegetables

Add Herbs and Spices

Add Fish

Add Coconut Milk

Bring to Boil, Then Reduce to Simmer

Enjoy!

Note About Choosing the Fish

Any kind of fish can work well for this dish. The choice depends entirely on your preference. I often use snapper, which is a traditional choice for this tea.

If you are purchasing a whole fish, you can simply ask the butcher to fillet it for you. Or it's entirely reasonable to just use the whole fish.

When I was growing up, my grandmother made this soup using the whole fish, head included, with bones. I once had a bad experience when a fish bone became lodged in my throat, requiring medical attention. When I had children, I decided to use fillets to avoid the possibility of this happening to my kids. Now, I am able to enjoy the dish without any anxiety about bones.

Fish: Whole or Fillet

You can use whole fish that still have the heads attached.

1 / 2

Tips on Preparing the Fish

1. Wash the fish in water and lemon or lime juice.
2. If the fish has scales, remove them by running a knife against the grain of the scales.
3. If you are using frozen fish fillets, there is no need to defrost them before adding them into the soup.

Fresh vs. Canned Vegetables

Although I prefer to use fresh vegetables, it's also possible to use canned vegetables for this recipe. Examples of great canned items include:

• Green beans
• Carrots
• Corn

Optional Ingredient: Grace Fish Tea Seasoning

Another ingredient that will enhance the flavor of the fish tea (but is purely optional) is Grace Fish Tea Seasoning. This is not a required ingredient, but it is one that you may want to consider using—especially if this is the first time that you are making the recipe. It will add body and flavor to the soup, without the need to add other herbs or seasonings. As an aside, this premade seasoning can also be used to season chicken and other meats.

Serving Suggestions

1 / 4

Cornmeal Dumplings for Fish Tea

Traditionally, Jamaican fish tea contains dumplings, and when I make this soup I like to include them. If you would like to try making the dumplings, too, I have included a video below that will guide you.

How to Make Cornmeal Dumplings

Another Variation

© 2018 Gina Welds Hulse

Comments

manatita44 from london on October 10, 2018:

A real treat and with plenty of goodness too. Never heard it call a tea before. Quite creative. Seems a lovely dish Gina.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on October 04, 2018:

Hi, all, I had never heard of a "fish tea." But the dish is most nutritious because it is a balanced whole meal. Many thanks.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on October 04, 2018:

Never heard of such a thing, but I like fish and I intend to try it. Thanks for the recipe.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on September 30, 2018:

Very cool and with slight variances a fairly staple dish in our little house of Pho'

Pam Morris from Atlanta Georgia on September 30, 2018:

Gina, I love all the ingredient in this recipe and are willing to try this dish. I just hope it all I imagine it to be. Thank you for sharing this healthy recipe.

Miebakagh Fiberesima from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, NIGERIA. on September 29, 2018:

Hello, Gina, this is indeed an exotic dish. The way you handle the ingredients, for example, the potatoes whole with skin, make the dish a whole meal.

I usually eat any root vegetable with skins because these contain some proteins and lots of vitamins and minerals, including trace elements, Thanks for sharing.