Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe: How to Make Crispy and Delicious Fried Pastry with Spiced Fish Filling

Nigerian Fish Roll Recipe: How to Make Crispy and Delicious Fried Pastry with Spiced Fish Filling

Introduction

Nigerian Fish Roll is a savory and flavorful pastry filled with spiced fish filling and deep-fried to golden perfection. This popular Nigerian street food combines a soft and slightly crispy dough with a rich and aromatic fish filling, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Fish Rolls are perfect as a snack, an appetizer, or a party treat. The spiced fish filling is usually made with fresh or canned mackerel or sardines, seasoned with onions, peppers, and spices to create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Pastry Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

For the Spiced Fish Filling:

• 1 cup cooked or canned mackerel or sardines (flaked)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 stock cube (Maggi or Knorr)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Fish Filling

1. Heat Oil: In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and fragrant.
2. Add Peppers and Seasonings: Stir in the chopped scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, curry powder, garlic powder, and stock cube. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Fish and Tomato Paste: Add the flaked fish and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cook until the mixture is well combined and aromatic.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Mix thoroughly.
2. Incorporate Butter: Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and rub it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Form the Dough: Gradually add water while mixing until a soft and elastic dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Fish Rolls

1. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Cut and Fill: Cut the dough into rectangular strips. Place a spoonful of the cooled fish filling at one end of each strip.
3. Roll and Seal: Roll the dough over the filling, ensuring the edges are sealed. You can use a bit of water to seal the edges properly.
4. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly brush the rolls with a beaten egg to give them a golden color when fried.

Step 4: Fry the Fish Rolls

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the rolls.
2. Fry Until Golden: Gently drop the fish rolls into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Nutritional Elements

• Carbohydrates: From the dough, providing energy.
• Protein: High-quality protein from fish supports muscle function and repair.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B2, and essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
• Healthy Fats: Fish and butter provide healthy fats that support brain and heart health.

Curative Power of Ingredients

• Fish (Mackerel or Sardines): Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
• Onions and Garlic: Have antibacterial and antioxidant properties that boost immunity.
• Thyme and Curry Powder: Aid digestion and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Scotch Bonnet Peppers: Provide capsaicin, which improves metabolism and circulation.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Snack: Perfect for tea time or a light bite between meals.
• With a Dip: Pair with spicy pepper sauce, ketchup, or mayonnaise.
• At Parties: Serve alongside other Nigerian small chops like Puff-Puff, Chin Chin, and Meat Pies.

Tips for Making Perfect Fish Rolls

• Seal the Edges Well: To prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and a crisp texture.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil consistently hot to avoid greasy rolls.

Enjoy these savory and crispy Nigerian Fish Rolls, perfect for sharing and enjoying anytime. Their rich and spiced fish filling wrapped in a crunchy pastry makes them an irresistible treat!