At a glance
- Fish colombo: fish simmered in colombo powder, tomato and coconut milk
- Origin: French Antilles (Martinique, Guadeloupe), Indian culinary heritage
- Essential ingredients: fish, colombo powder, tomato, garlic, lime, coconut milk
- A festive family dish, the seafood version of Antillean colombo
Origins and cultural history of fish colombo
Colombo was born from the arrival in the Antilles, in 1862, of indentured workers from India, largely from the Coromandel Coast and Ceylon, who introduced curry after the abolition of slavery. The spice blend adapted with local produce such as bois d'Inde, and the word colombo is thought to come from the Tamil kulambu, which refers to a spice blend in sauce. The dish is emblematic today of Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Fish colombo is the seafood version of colombo, prepared with a firm-fleshed white fish rather than meat, often bound with coconut milk for a creamier sauce.
What are the essential ingredients of fish colombo
Fish colombo is based on white fish and a spice blend found in most African and Caribbean grocery stores, including NKOSI.
- firm-fleshed white fish (red snapper, sea bream or cod)
- colombo powder
- peeled tomatoes
- garlic
- lime
- coconut milk
What to know about fish colombo
Fish colombo is the seafood version of the Antillean colombo: a firm white fish, such as red snapper, sea bream or cod, simmered with colombo powder, peeled tomatoes, garlic, lime and coconut milk. The coconut milk makes the sauce creamier, and colombo powder contains mustard. The fish is cooked at the last moment so that it stays firm. It is a dish for family and festive meals in Martinique and Guadeloupe.
Frequently asked questions about fish colombo
Can fish colombo be prepared in advance?
The colombo sauce can be prepared in advance and keeps for 2 days in the refrigerator, but it is better to cook the fish at the last moment so it stays firm. Gently reheat the sauce before adding the fish.
Can fish be replaced with shrimp in a colombo?
Yes, shrimp can be prepared with the same colombo, tomato and coconut milk sauce. They cook faster than fish: 3 to 4 minutes is enough, added right at the end of cooking.
Where to find the ingredients for fish colombo in France?
NKOSI sells the colombo powder, garlic, lime and coconut milk used in this recipe, and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
