Yield: Serves 4
Nutritional Breakdown per Serving: Calories 1220, Total Fat 68 g, Saturated Fat 32 g, Carbohydrates 72 g, Dietary Fiber 9 g, Sugar 12 g, Protein 88 g, Cholesterol 369 mg, Sodium 2291 mg
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

3 pounds assorted Hawaiian fish, gutted, scaled, and cut into 2-inch chunks; heads kept whole
Pink Hawaiian salt
Black pepper
Canola oil for cooking
2 habanero peppers, stemmed and thinly sliced
2 onions, sliced
5 garlic cloves, sliced
5 slices fresh ginger, peeled and cut 1/8-inch thick
2 cups peeled whole tomatoes (canned tomatoes acceptable)
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
6 kaffir lime leaves
Water, enough to cover ingredients
Juice of 3 limes
1 pound Gai Choy, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
2 cups steamed, soft, peeled poi, cut into 2-inch pieces
cup sliced green scallions

Instructions

Season the fish pieces with pink Hawaiian salt and black pepper. Heat canola oil in a stockpot over medium-high heat and brown the fish briefly on all sides, then set aside.
In the same pot, add sliced habaneros, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, thyme, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. Pour in enough water to cover the mixture completely. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and Gai Choy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
While the stew simmers, prepare the poi topping: warm the heavy cream with minced garlic and ginger in a separate saucepan, reducing it by about 20%. Gently fold in the hot taro poi and mash until silky and smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
To serve, place a generous portion of creamy poi in the center of a large pasta bowl and ladle the aromatic fish stew generously over it. Garnish with fresh sliced green scallions and serve immediately.

Pairing Suggestion

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this traditional Hawaiian fish stew with a chilled Lillikoi Hawaiian Beerthe crisp, refreshing notes complement the rich, spiced broth perfectly, creating an unforgettable island feast.