• Home
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
    • Work With Me
    • Brands & Features
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • E-mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Gluten Free Alchemist

Positively Coeliac - Adventurously Gluten Free

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Big Cakes & Celebration Cakes
    • Tray Bakes, Brownies, Blondies & Flapjacks
    • Small Cakes; Cupcakes; Muffins & More
    • Cookies & Biscuits
    • Desserts & Trifles
    • Sweet Pastry, Pies, Pastries & Tarts
    • Ice Cream, Sorbets & Ices
    • No Bake Recipes
    • Sweets & Other Sweet Stuff
    • Preserves
    • Sweet Extras : Icings, Fillings, Ganaches, Sauces etc
    • Scones (Sweet & Savoury)
    • Batter : Pancakes, Blinis, Waffles & More
    • Bread (& Pasta)
    • Breakfast & Brunch Ideas
    • Lunch & Light Meals
    • Soups & Salads
    • Main Meals (inc Casseroles and Slow-Cooked)
    • Savoury Pastry, Pies & Bakes
    • Appetisers, Starters & Sides
    • Party, Picnic & Lunchbox (Savoury)
    • Drinks & Things That Go With Drinks
    • Vegan-Gluten Free
    • Christmas Recipes
  • Gluten Free Travel
    • Travel Index
    • Travel Tips & Planning
    • Gluten Free Travel Destinations Abroad
    • Travel Experiences
  • Gluten Free Flours/Flour Blends
  • Coeliac Parenting Guide
    • Introduction
    • Discovering Your Child Is Coeliac
    • Food – A Guide to Safe Eating & Cross-Contamination
    • Eating Out – Restaurants & Fast Food
    • Managing Child Care & Education
    • Managing Play Dates and Parties
    • Managing Adolescence & Secondary School
Home » Savoury Gluten Free Recipes » Main Meals » Fish Bolognese – A Foodie Memory from the Maldives

Main Meals Savoury Gluten Free Recipes Travel Inspired Recipes

Fish Bolognese – A Foodie Memory from the Maldives

Tweet
Pin
Share
Yum
Flip
Share
Share
0 Shares

Many years ago (long before I had parenting responsibilities), I was fortunate enough to visit the islands of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. A most beautiful country made up of tiny coral-reef islands set in atolls and surrounded by the lapping warm Indian Ocean waves. There is little to do other than enjoy the heat, relaxation and swim, snorkel or dive with the incredible array of reef fish and ocean life. It is the only place that I have ever been where I instantly stopped………. where time seemed to stand still and it really didn’t matter whether it was morning, afternoon or somewhere in-between.

The Maldivian people are by necessity incredibly self-sufficient. There are no grass fields and thus no cows, sheep or other large land animals bred for food. They are a nation of fish eaters, all caught sustainably and by hand to protect the fragile eco-system of coral reefs that form the nation’s atolls. But you won’t find cold-water cod, plaice or salmon on the menu. Dinner is served according to the catch of the day……….. Grouper, Parrot Fish, Tuna, Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Barracuda, eels amongst many many others.

One of the dishes served when I was visiting the Maldives was a fish bolognese, made with Grouper. It was delicious. The Grouper (a firm white fish) was minced and cooked in tomatoes with onions and chilli. I was so impressed that I went back to my room and wrote down the ingredients my tastebuds recalled, so that I could try to replicate the dish when I got home.

Of course, Grouper is not much available in the UK (although I did try hard to find it), so I sought the advice of a local fishmonger, who recommended Monkfish as an available alternative which he thought might have enough firmness for the required texture of the dish. Unless by some very occasional, very lucky chance I manage to source a suitable reef fish in the UK, I have been making my fish bolognese with Monkfish ever since.

It is much lighter than it’s beef counterpart, and tastes as fresh and healthy as it’s ingredients suggest. Although it has a distinct fish-ness about it, it is not over-fishy in flavour, so that even potentially fish-fussy children seem to enjoy it. Maybe it helps that it is dressed up as their favourite, familiar pasta dish?

The mushrooms are heavily disguised as they are chopped very small (even my daughter who baulks at them didn’t even notice they were there!) and the onions are sautéed so that they are very soft and slightly caramelised. The tarragon compliments the fish beautifully and gives a background hint of aniseed and the chilli provides a warming kick (which you can either intensify with more chilli or play down by using less for those little people who haven’t quite got their chilli-legs yet).

I am entering my Fish Bolognese for this month’s Four Season’s Food Challenge, being hosted by Lou over at Eat Your Veg (co-hosted by Anneli at Delicieux). March’s theme is ‘Something Fishy’, so I think this is a good opportunity to share my favourite Maldivian food memory in the hope that some of you may choose to enjoy it too. Perfect for kids. Perfect for grown ups.

This is one incredibly flavoursome, very very healthy pasta dish………. We sprinkle ours with the ‘expected’ Parmesan cheese and a little extra chopped parsley, which gives an additional iron-richness. Serve it with spaghetti (gluten free or not), and enjoy!

Fish Bolognese

Ingredients (serves 4)             

500 g/1 lb Monkfish or an alternative very firm white fish – minced, ‘grated’ or finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red onion – finely chopped
1 white onion – finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves – finely chopped
1 small red chilli – deseeded and finely chopped
1 small green chilli – finely chopped
3 largish closed-cup mushrooms – finely chopped
1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 teaspoons marmite / yeast extract spread
3 tablespoons concentrated tomato puree
1 teaspoon dried tarragon or handful finely chopped fresh tarragon
1 teaspoon dried parsley or handful finely chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to season
To serve :
spaghetti (I used gluten free spaghetti)
grated parmesan
chopped fresh parsley

Method

  1. Make sure your fish is completely skinned and de-boned, then mince, grate or chop finely. I use a food processor with a grating attachment so that the fish resembles a minced texture.
  2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan and then sauté the chopped onions and garlic for about 10 minutes until soft.
  3. Add the chopped chilli and mushrooms and continue to cook gently for a further 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the fish and continue to gently cook, stirring frequently for another 5 minutes.
  5. Add the tomatoes, marmite/yeast extract and tomato puree and stir through thoroughly. Bring to the boil and then turn the heat down to a simmer. Do not panic about the appearance of the sauce at this stage. As it cooks, the fish will take on the tomato colour and will thicken.
  6. Add the herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir.
  7. Leave to simmer on a low heat, stirring occasionally for about 25 minutes, uncovered. This will allow the liquid to reduce and the fish to absorb the tomato redness, so that the bolognese sauce becomes thick and rich.
  8. Serve with spaghetti, with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a parsley garnish.
Gluten Free Alchemist © 2013-14 unless otherwise indicated
Tweet
Pin
Share
Yum
Flip
Share
Share
0 Shares


2 Comments

This page may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and go on to buy the product recommended, I will get a very small commission. You will not however be charged any more than if you went direct to the site. 

I will only ever recommend products that I actually have in my kitchen or would buy myself. 

Please note that where a recipe contains alcohol, it is NOT suitable for children. Always drink and use alcohol responsibly. For more information, see the Drink Aware website.

Previous Post: « Easy Peanut Chocolate-Chip Biscuits – gluten free (optional dairy free)
Next Post: Apple & Cinnamon Upside-Downuts – Baked Doughnuts with a ‘Twist’ (gluten free) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kate D says

    19/03/2014 at 10:03 am

    Thank you Lou. I kind of wish I hadn't got the photos out as it has made me realise how much I long to go back! But I love this dish (and so did my husband and daughter!), so it was good to make it again and share it too. I had some left over sauce which I used to make a fishy version of 'shepherds' pie – topped the sauce in a dish with crushed boiled potatoes and cheese and baked. That was totally delicious as well (but it got eaten before I could get the camera out….. darn!)

    Reply
  2. Lou, Eat Your Veg says

    18/03/2014 at 2:59 pm

    I kind of wish I hadn't read this post, I'm now finding myself dreaming of a holiday in the Maldives, sounds utterly perfect and I could so do with a holiday where I instantly stop! For two weeks please. Your fish bolognese sounds perfect too, I would never have thought of putting fish in a classic bolognese but having read your post it sounds totally delicious and especially with the chili addition. My kids are fortunately big fish (and pasta) fans so I'm bookmarking this to make! A very lovely and inspiring entry to the Four Seasons Food 'Something Fishy' event.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Connect & Follow

  • Bloglovin
  • E-mail
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

About Me

Welcome to Gluten Free Alchemist.
I’m Kate – gluten free recipe developer, traveller, photographer, blogger and mum to a Coeliac teenager… living Coeliac life without limits.
Join our family journey as I share recipe and travel adventures and as we support each other in overcoming life’s Coeliac hurdles. Read More…

CONTACT Gluten Free Alchemist

Looking For Something? Click For Index

gluten-free-recipes-index

Categories

Instagram

Who loves a pancake stack? With Pancake Day next m Who loves a pancake stack? With Pancake Day next month, I’ve been working on some new recipes for BLENDER PANCAKES. 
These amazing American Style Pancakes are super-easy and super-healthy. Made in my #gifted @promixx #miixrx7 I literally threw everything in the blender, whizzed and cooked! 
These protein pancakes also have some fruit blended into the batter for a fruity twist.. Although you can make them without if you prefer. I’ve tried everything from mango 🥭 , blueberry 🫐 and strawberry 🍓... to cherry 🍒 and pineapple 🍍. All delicious. 
You can even pop some unblended fruit into the batter just before it hits the pan for little extra bites of fruitiness. 
Who wants the recipe? 🤔
I’ve popped it on the blog with all the tips for perfect Blender Pancakes and how to make them just how YOU want them xxx 😘 
Link in bio ➡️➡️➡️
#pancakestack #blenderpancakes #smoothiepancakes #proteinpancakes #glutenfree #optionaldairyfree #glutenfreealchemist #coeliacfriendly #easypancakes #pancakeday #fruitpancakes #perfectpancakes #breakfast #brunch #feedfeed #feedfeedglutenfree #huffposttaste #foodblogfeed #foodblogger #instapancakes #britainsbesthomecooks_ #glutenfreeuk #forkyeah #pancakeporn #buzzfeast #droolclub #damnthatsdelish #cookblogshare 
@foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed @thefeedfeed.glutenfree @britainsbesthomecooks_ @huffposttaste
The forced rhubarb has arrived from up North! What The forced rhubarb has arrived from up North! What shall I make?
I managed to get some at our local @stainesfarmshop this morning. It’s looking amazing 🤩 
#rhubarb #forcedrhubarb #stainesfarmshop #whitstablelife #foodie #cookwithrhubarb #forkyeah #glutenfreealchemist #glutenfree #vegetableporn #coeliacsafe #fruitandveg #glutenfreelife #whatshallibake #whatshallicook #ingredientsmatter #earlyrhubarb #bakewithrhubarb #pinkrhubarb #cookblogshare
What are you baking this weekend? I’m debating What are you baking this weekend? 
I’m debating a perfectly moist COFFEE & WALNUT Cake. Intense with coffee, rich with walnut, this is one of my most popular recipes. 😁 Made and loved by many, it has done me proud. Swipe ➡️ to see the glorious sponge hidden within the perfectly rich coffee butter cream coating. 🤎
Not all coffee & walnut cakes are created equal. This one is not just a coffee cake topped with walnuts. It has a sponge which incorporates ground walnuts as well as a serious infusion of espresso. And... of course... it is gluten free too. 
Whether Coeliac or not, cake should be luxury... a decadent treat that makes us happy☀️
This cake is worth the calories... so if you need happiness this weekend, grab a bowl and whisk and bake! 
To make it easy to find the recipe, I’ve moved the link to the top of my lnk.bio. ♥️ 
If you make it let me know. Have a great weekend either way xxx
#coffeewalnut #glutenfreecake #coffeeandwalnutcake #bestcake #coeliacsafe #glutenfreealchemist #glutenfree #cakeporn #cakesofinstagram #bakersgonnabake #forkyeah #feedfeed #foodblogfeed #britainsbesthomecooks_ #huffposttaste #buzzfeedfood #cookblogshare #damnthatsdelish #bakedfromscratch #droolclub #thebakefeed #foodheaven #singluten #glutenfreeuk #senzaglutine #cakecakecake #glutenfreetreats #coffeelover #feedfeedglutenfree 
@thefeedfeed @thefeedfeed.glutenfree @foodblogfeed @huffposttaste @britainsbesthomecooks_ @buzzfeedfood
Remember that snow-white Angel Food Cake? It makes Remember that snow-white Angel Food Cake? It makes AMAZING trifle too! 
ANGEL 👼 Trifle! Sent from heaven with some yummy fruity red strawberries 🍓 ... some juicy sweet blueberries. 🫐... a good dousing of  boozy Cointreau Orange 🍊 liqueur and sumptuously decadent layers of vanilla custard and softly whipped cream. 
Oooohhhh... I’ve gone all Nigella 😂
Beautiful and delicious ♥️
#trifle #angelfoodcake #angeltrifle #strawberrytrifle #dessert #dessertstagram #forkyeah #feedfeed #glutenfreealchemist #glutenfreeuk #dessertporn #glutenfree #huffposttaste #foodblogfeed #britainsbesthomecooks_ #coeliacsafe #buzzfeedfood #droolclub #damnthatsdelish #foodie #foodiegram #singluten #senzaglutine #glutenfrei #eeeeeats #triflelover #foodbloggers #glutenfreeblogger 
@thefeedfeed @foodblogfeed @britainsbesthomecooks_ @huffposttaste @buzzfeedfood
White Chocolate Creme Brûlée with hidden Berries White Chocolate Creme Brûlée with hidden Berries 🍓 
It looks like it should be complicated. But it’s actually a really easy dessert. It’s super-delicious and is naturally flourless and gluten free... which makes it one of the best desserts if you are Coeliac. Ideal for any occasion too...
I’ve just updated my blog post with a new recipe card and lots of tips for getting it right.
I reckon it may also be the perfect treat for a cosy lockdown Valentines dinner too ♥️🍓♥️🍓♥️ 
Grab the recipe on the blog... as always, clink lnk.bio for a fast track to making heaven xx 😘 
#cremebrulee #whitechocolatecremebrulee #strawberrycremebrulee #berrycremebrulee #easydessert #valentinesdessert #glutenfree #flourless #glutenfreedessert #coeliacsafe #glutenfreeuk #dessertporn #dessertsofinstagram #britainsbesthomecooks_ #feedfeed #foodblogfeed #huffposttaste #dessertstagram #glutenfreealchemist #cookblogshare #forkyeah #homecooking #worldsgreatesthomecooks #singluten #senzaglutine #glutenmentes #eeeeeats #custardperfection 
@foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed @huffposttaste @britainsbesthomecooks_ @worldsgreatesthomecooks
Pancakes? Oh yes! Piled high and topped with juicy Pancakes? Oh yes! Piled high and topped with juicy fruit and drizzled in chocolate sauce.... Super-simple. Utterly delicious. 
Who wants the recipe? 
I’ve been having a total pancake fest recently... I am OBSESSED 
😍 😬😑🤭🤗
These yummy cakes are packed full of protein and are super healthy ♥️ 
(Well... maybe not the chocolate sauce, but needs must 😂)  #pancakes #pancakeday #pancakesforbreakfast #proteinpancakes #pancakestack #pancakesofinstagram #foodie #foodstagram #glutenfree #glutenfreealchemist #singluten #senzagluten #glutenfrei #coeliacsafe #britainsbesthomecooks_ #foodblogger #foodblogfeed #glutenfreeuk #huffposttaste #feedfeed #droolclub #buzzfeedfood #damnthatsdelish #foodporn #glutenfreedairyfree #buzzfeedfood #foodphotography #deliciousandnutritious 
@foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed @buzzfeedfood @huffposttaste @britainsbesthomecooks_
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Blender Pancakes – Easy Protein Pancakes with or without fruit
  • White Chocolate Crème Brûlée with Berries
  • Raspberry & Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cake – Gluten Free
Foodies100 Index of UK Food Blogs
my foodgawker gallery

CeliacDisease.org

”Top

Don't miss a thing. Sign up here to get recipes and extras from Gluten Free Alchemist straight into your inbox...

Footer

You might also like

Giant Round Courgette (or Marrow) with a Rich Dark Puy Lentil Stuffing

Miss GF Makes #8……. Dinner! Turkey Meatballs with Hidden Veg (gluten, dairy, egg, soy & nut free)

pizza-muffins-FI

Gluten Free Pizza Muffins

buddha-bowl

How to Build a Buddha Bowl

Chicken, Squash & Gruyere Quiche – gluten free

Copyright © 2021 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2021 Gluten Free Alchemist · Divine Theme built on the Genesis Framework · powered by WordPress ·