Nothing Manini Here Except This Soup

Brother Noland prepares the fish RYAN SAKAMOTO PHOTO

Singer, songwriter, hunter, fisherman, writer — a man of many talents, Brother Noland joined us in the kitchen this week. I have known him for a long time, and I am always in awe of his talents and knowledge of the aina. He is simple, honest, smart and deep, and freely shares his aloha.

Brother Noland always has been in touch with the aina, as he demonstrates in his just- released book Hawaiian Survival Guide. If you were on a deserted island or part of the zombie apocalypse, you’d want him with you. He knows how to track deer, throw net, fish, make a fire — and he could entertain you, too! He is a teacher of all things and keeps it simple and basic, and this week he made one of my favorites just like my tutu kane used to make: manini soup.

This is true comfort food.

Manini Fish Soup
LEIGH ANNE MEEKS PHOTO

MANINI FISH SOUP
• 1 or 2 manini
• 1 head garlic, crushed
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 2-inch piece fresh ginger,
crushed
• 1 tomato, diced
• 4-6 cups water
• salt and pepper, to taste

Remove entrails from fish.There is no need to scale manini fish, as the skin has a sandpaper-like texure instead of scales. Rinse and clean fish and set aside. Fill medi- um-sized pot with water, add all ingredients and slowly bring to boil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Brother Noland plays a tune for Lanai when the cooking is done
RYAN SAKAMOTO PHOTO