Trying to Conceive Recipe
Lunch
Cape Malay pickled hake
Ingelegde vis — cooked fish layered with onion in a turmeric-and-vinegar pickle, traditionally made at Easter in the Cape and eaten cold. Snoek and yellowtail are the classic choices; hake is easy to find and works well. This version uses less sugar than many family recipes.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Portions
- 6
- Moderate
- Trying to conceive
- Preparing for pregnancy
- High-protein
- Omega-3-containing
- Lower in saturated fat

Make this recipe
Swap an ingredient
Only swaps that keep this recipe pregnancy-safe are offered. Allergen information below updates when you choose one.
Ingredients
For 6 portions. Tick items as you go — nothing is changed for anyone else.
This recipe contains foods that can contribute to a varied and balanced diet during pregnancy.
Method
- Step 1. Dust the fish lightly with flour and fry in the oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes a side, until cooked right through and opaque. Set aside on a plate.
- Step 2. In a pot, simmer the onions in the vinegar and water with the sugar, curry powder, turmeric, coriander seeds, peppercorns and bay leaves for 10–15 minutes, until the onions are soft.
- Step 3. Layer the cooked fish and the hot onion pickle in a clean glass or ceramic dish, finishing with pickle so the fish is covered.
- Step 4. Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours before eating so the flavours develop.
- Step 5. Serve cold with brown bread and a green salad.
Allergens for your selection
- Contains: Fish
- Contains: Cereals containing gluten
- Contains: Sulphites
Ingredient brands and substitutions can change allergen content. Always check the labels on the products you buy.
