Coo Coo (or Cou Cou) and Flying Fish Recipe

National Dish of Barbados

Barbados - Coo-Coo and Flying Fish

Coo-coo, aka coucou, is a mix of cornmeal and okra that is served with flying fish. The fish is either steamed with lime juice, spices, and vegetables or fried. The coo-coo and flying fish is served with a spicy sauce. Flying Fish is mainly found in and around Barbados

Ingredients for Coo Coo

4 okras, thinly sliced
1 pt. boiling water
1/2 pt. corn meal
1/2 pt. cold water
1 tsp salt
1 stick of butter
2 fresh limes juiced
1 tbsp salt
1 cup water
6 flying fish, filleted

Ingredients for Flying Fish

1 sprig of thyme and 1/2 tsp oregano, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh green celery, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
1 egg, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup oil

Instructions for preparing coo coo

Boil the okras in water for 8 to 10 minutes.
Mix the corn meal with cold water to a smooth paste
When the okras are soft, lower the heat, add salt and the cornmeal mix, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until mixture becomes fairly stiff
The coo coo is ready when the mixture breaks separates from the pan
Place the cooked coo coo into a bowl that has been buttered. Shaking it into the shape of the bowl, then turn it out into a serving dish
Make an indentation in the top with the back of a spoon and place a stick of butter in it

Instructions for preparing Flying Fish

Soak the fish in a misture of lime juice, salt and water for 15 minutes
Remove and pat dry.
Mix the seasonings and onion and then place inside the fish then press firmly and dip each fish into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs
Fry in hot oil and cook each side until lightly brown, do not overcook, the fish should be moist and flaky

Related article: National Dishes Around the World