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African Fish Roll is a beloved street food in West Africa, enjoyed widely across Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana. This has a crunchy fried texture and is effortlessly prepared, making it a favorite choice. While you might have come across pastry snacks named Fish Roll in various corners of the world, the African version brings quite distinct. It is a simple dough with fish filling wrapped in it.
Some people call it “fish pie,” that’s when it’s prepared in a pie-like manner, but the common version is called “fish roll” due to its rolled-up shape. Interestingly, Cameroonians take the crown when it comes to making this awesome treat – they’ve got a knack for making fantastic fish rolls that are hard to beat!
They are usually deep-fried, although some people opt to bake them instead. Baking tends to be the go-to method for those who make it at home for personal treats. However, it’s worth noting that while baked versions are still tasty, they might not have that irresistible crunchy like the fried.
If your fish roll turns out hard to chew, there’s likely an error in the dough-mixing process. Ideally, if well-made it strikes the balance of not being overly hard but delightfully crunchy.
How Do You Seal a Fish Roll?
To seal a fish roll, follow these steps: Put filling into the dough, fold over to create a half-moon shape, press crimp edges to seal, trim excess dough, and apply egg wash or water for a good finishing.
Can I Bake My Fish Roll?
Absolutely, you can bake it! While the common method is deep-frying for that crunchy taste, baking is a healthier alternative. Simply place your prepared fish rolls on a baking sheet, brush with a bit of oil or egg wash, and bake in a preheated oven at around 350-375°F (175-190°C) until they’re golden brown, usually about 20-25 minutes. Please note that baking may have a slightly different taste compared to frying, but it’s a great option for a lighter version of this delicious snack.
Can I Add Sugar and Pepper?
That’s up to your personal preference; you can add sugar and pepper to enhance its flavor. Adding a touch of sugar can provide a subtle hint of sweetness. Similarly, adding pepper, whether black pepper or a bit of heat from chili pepper, can give your fish rolls a spicy tasty. Just use it in moderation to avoid overpowering the overall taste.
African Fish Roll
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- vegetable oil to deep fry
- 4 tablespoon magarine
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ salt
For the Filling
- 1 mackerel fish (titus fish)
- 2 green onions (chopped)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- cayenne pepper or paprika powder to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- Steam or boil the mackerel fish until cooked through.1 mackerel fish (titus fish)
- Remove the bones and flake the fish into small pieces using a fork.
- Finely chop the green onions and add them to the flaked fish.2 green onions (chopped)
- Add the chopped small onion to the fish mixture.1 small onion (chopped)
- Season the fish mixture with cayenne pepper or paprika powder according to your desired level of spiciness.cayenne pepper or paprika powder to taste
- Mix the ingredients well, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed. Set aside.
Prepare the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.2½ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Add the margarine to the mix.4 tablespoon magarine
- Crack the egg into the mixture.1 egg
Roll and Fill the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a circle, about ¼ inch thick.
- Cut the dough into smaller circular pieces.
- Put a spoonful of the prepared fish mixture onto one end of each dough.
- Fold the dough over the fish filling, covering it completely, and forming a roll.
- Press the edges of the dough together and use a fork to crimp and seal the edges. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during frying
Fry the Dough
- In a deep pot or fryer, heat vegetable oil. Make sure there's enough oil for the fish rolls to be fully submerged.vegetable oil to deep fry
- Carefully slide a few fish rolls into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the rolls until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even frying. This should take about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Once the fish rolls are cooked to a golden brown color, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil.
- Your Fish Roll is ready to serve.
