African > Seafood > Eel

African Longfin Eel with Tomato and Basil Sauce Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 African Longfin Eels, cleaned and filleted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Spatula

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir well.
6. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Place the African Longfin Eel fillets in the skillet, skin side down.
8. Spoon the tomato and basil sauce over the fillets.
9. Cover the skillet and let the eel cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
10. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- African Longfin Eel can be substituted with any firm white fish, such as cod or tilapia.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.

Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, instead of basil.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to clean the eel thoroughly before filleting.
- Use a sharp knife to fillet the eel.
- Don't overcook the eel, as it can become tough and rubbery.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover eel and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the eel and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the eel and sauce on a bed of rice or pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the eel is sticking to the skillet, use a spatula to gently loosen it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the eel to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- African Longfin Eel is a popular fish in African cuisine, especially in coastal regions.

Flavor profiles:
- The tomato and basil sauce adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the mild and slightly sweet eel.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the eel and sauce as a main course for dinner.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbaceous, Spicy, Rich