Jamaican saltfish and ackee is the national dish of Jamaica, and it is a beloved breakfast or brunch dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. It is a unique combination of salted codfish, ackee fruit, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and spices, all simmered together in a flavorful sauce. The saltiness of the codfish pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the ackee, while the tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers add a vibrant flavor and color to the dish. The spices, such as thyme, scallions, and garlic, provide a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special. This article provides three different recipes for Jamaican saltfish and ackee: a traditional recipe, a vegan version, and a spicy rendition. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, cooking times, and serving suggestions, ensuring that you can create this iconic Jamaican dish with ease.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
ACKEE AND SALTFISH
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h30m
Yield 4 to 5 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Wash off all the salt from the salted cod fish in cold water, and then soak as follows: Soak for 1 hour in hot water, and then drain and replace with a new batch of hot water for another hour. The fish will be soaked for a total of 2 hours.
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat and then add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the sprig of thyme and cook for 30 seconds. Add the onions, scallions, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Stir the entire mix as needed. Add the prepared codfish to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring as needed. Add the ackee to the skillet and simmer for another 2 minutes. Stir in the black pepper and turn off the stove. Garnish the cooked meal with the paprika.
SALTFISH AND ACKEE
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 8h20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cut cod into medium size chunks. Cover cod in water. Soak in refrigerator, changing the water 2 to 3 times, every 6 to 8 hours for about one day. In skillet, saute onion until softened, add tomato, peppers, thyme and cod. Saute for 5 minutes and add black pepper to taste. Add ackee and stir gently to combine, simmer until just warmed. Add scallions and salt and pepper, to taste.
SALTFISH AND ACKEE
This is a traditional Jamaican/West Indian breakfast dish that's probably my absolute favorite. My grandma used to cook this on Sunday mornings with fried dumplings, plantains, and callaloo (similar to collard greens). One taste and I'm sure you'll fall in love too! (cook time does not include soaking the fish, which should be at least two hours or longer until it begins to flake apart)
Provided by Krystal-Belle
Categories Breakfast
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium high heat (the oil should be enough to just coat the bottom of the pan).
- Once oil is heated, add in onions. When they start to get soft, add tomatoes, black pepper, and ackee.
- When ackee just starts to get soft, add in fish and salt if necessary. You may not need to add salt because of the fish which is cured in salt, however, by soaking it, some of the salt flavor (actually most of the salt flavor) is lost.
- Once fish is clear and cooked through, and the ackee is fork-tender (it should break apart when pierced with fork, but not be really mushy), then your breakfast is done! Serve with ripe fried plantains and fried dumplings for a real treat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 143.9, Fat 1.1, SaturatedFat 0.2, Cholesterol 64.8, Sodium 3095.8, Carbohydrate 4.8, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 2.4, Protein 27.4
SALTFISH AND ACKEE
The Jamaican national dish. It's a breakfast dish, however, I like to eat it with rice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy!
Provided by Romi224
Categories Breakfast
Time 40m
Yield 2 plates, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Soak fish overnight, changing the water several times, or boil it for 30 minutes to an hour in order to reduce the saltiness of the fish. You may take a taste test afterward to make sure the fish is not too salty.
- Rinse the fish and flake it into small bites.
- Put oil in a frying pan, heat and add onions, thyme, garlic and the scotch bonnet pepper slices (Note: Scotch bonnet peppers are very spicy so you may need to adjust the amount. Also, green scotch bonnets are milder than the red ones). Stir for 2 minutes.
- Add fish and stir for 2 minutes.
- Drain ackee, stir into pan taking care not to crush it or break it apart too much.
- Stir in tomatoes and cook a little longer till they are soft.
- Take a taste test. Sprinkle with pepper and add salt if needed.
- Serve alone, or with white rice.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Saltfish: Opt for high-quality, well-salted codfish. Desalt it properly before cooking to remove excess salt.
- Soak Ackee Properly: Canned ackee is typically packed in brine. Rinse and soak it in water for at least 15 minutes before cooking to remove any residual brine.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh, vibrant vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a flavorful dish.
- Season Well: Don't skimp on seasonings. Use a combination of thyme, scallions, garlic, and allspice for an authentic Jamaican flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allow the saltfish and ackee to cook over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps develop the flavors and ensures the dish is cooked evenly.
- Serve Hot: Saltfish and ackee is best served hot, accompanied by your favorite sides like boiled plantains, fried dumplings, or steamed callaloo.
Conclusion:
Saltfish and ackee is a beloved Jamaican dish that combines the unique flavors of salted codfish and ackee fruit. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this dish is a staple in Jamaican cuisine and enjoyed by people worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, following these tips and the step-by-step recipe provided will help you create an authentic and delicious saltfish and ackee dish that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's get cooking!
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