Scorch the fish on both sides. Grind pepper & salt together & rub on fish. Squeeze lime juice over & set aside for about 2 hours.
Remove fish from lime juice. Place fish on smoking hot oil in frying pan & fry on both sides until brown. Set aside in a dish.-pour off all fat except 2 T. Add onion & sauté until wilted.
Pour in tomato, cook for about 3 min. Add thyme & 1 pint of water & allow to boil for about 5 min. Season to taste. Add fried fish & continue to boil for 10 min.