Caribbean Bowl with Jerk-Seasoned White Fish and Mango Salsa

This Caribbean bowl is full of flavor. I've recently fallen in love with Raw Spice Bar's subscription service, and this bowl is all about their Jamaican spice blends -- but, of course, you can always make your own spice blends or purchase blends from another source.  Jerk-spiced white fish is spicy but also super fresh-tasting with lots of green onions, lime juice, and fresh ginger in the marinade.  It's piled on top of black beans, and then topped with a sweet mango-corn salsa.  Fried plantains add fantastic crunch to the dish.  When everything is combined, you'll definitely be transported...just don't forget a tropical drink on the side!

 

Caribbean Bowl with Jerk-Seasoned White Fish and Mango Salsa (inspired by Bowl + Spoon and Raw Spice Bar)
Serves 4

For the fish:
1 pound white fish fillets
2 T canola oil
2 tsp Jamaican Jerk spices (make your own!)
4 green onions, chopped
1/2 T grated fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp dried thyme
Zest and juice of two limes
2 T white wine vinegar
1 T kosher salt
1 T dark rum

For the black beans:
1/2 pound dried black peans, soaked overnight
2 bay leaves
1 cup vegetable broth
Salt

For the mango salsa:
2 ears corn on the cob
1 ripe mango, diced
2 T minced cilantro
1 tsp Paprika-Ginger spices (or 1/2 tsp each smoked paprika and dried ginger)
Zest and juice of one lime
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp kosher salt

For the plantains:
2 T coconut oil
1 ripe plantain
Salt and pepper

Garnish: Minced cilantro and/or chopped green onions

1. Marinate the fish: Lay the fish in a shallow dish and make a few slashes in it with a sharp knife.  Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium high heat.  Add the spice mix, and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Transfer to a small food processor or mini chopper.  Add the green onions, ginger, garlic, thyme, lime juice and zest, vinegar, salt, and rum.  Process to a puree, and then pour over the fish and rub into the flesh.  Cover and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.

2. Cook the beans: Drain the soaked beans, and place in a pot with the bay leaves.  Cover with water by about 2 inches.  Bring to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, for about an hour, until tender.  When teh water has mostly cooked off, add the broth.  When the beans are cooked, discard the bay leaves, add a generous pinch of salt, cover, and set aside. Add more broth if you need to -- the beans should be a bit brothy.

3. Make the mango salsa: Husk the corn and steam for just a minute or two, until just tender.  Cut the corn off the cob.  Combine in a bowl with the mango, cilantro, spices, lime zest and juice, olive oil, and salt.  Stir to combine.

4. Cook the fish: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Transfer the fish and marinade to a baking dish, and bake 15-20 minutes, until slightly charred.

5. Fry the plantains: Heat the coconut oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.  Peel and slice the plantain into 1/2-inch slices on a diagonal.  Give the slices a gentle smash with the side of a knife, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and fry for 3 minutes per side until golden.

6. To serve, scoop beans into a shallow bowl.  Top with fish, salsa, and plantains.  Sprinkle with cilantro and/or green onions.