Smoked Fish Stew I

Ingredients

 * 2 Ibs. SMOKED fish
 * 1/2 Ib. onions
 * 1/4 cup vegetable oil
 * 1 Ib. FRESH tomatoes
 * 4 Tbs. tomato PASTE
 * 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
 * 1 quart water

Directions

 * 1) In a 4-quart saucepan saute: 1/2 Ib. onions, thinly sliced in 1/4 cup vegetable oil until soft but not brown.
 * Add: 1 Ib. FRESH tomatoes cut in 1-inch pieces, 4 Tbs. tomato PASTE, 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper and 1 quart water.
 * 1) Simmer with cover on for 15 minutes.
 * 2) Debone 2 Ibs. SMOKED fish (if smoked Herring is used, soak it for 1 hour to remove excess salt).
 * 3) Add the deboned, flaked fish and simmer for 10 minutes longer.
 * 4) Correct the Seasoning with salt (if needed) and pepper.
 * 5) Add water if necessary to bring to stew consistency.
 * 6) Serve with rice.