| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 310 | 8g | 2g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 7g | 18g | 2.2g |
I have to confess that I have a profound sentimental attachment to Ackee and Saltfish Fritters. It’s a superb mishmash that fuses a hint of my New England roots with an exotic Caribbean twist. Reminiscent of my grandparents’ traditional corned beef cakes, it similarly incorporates quintessential ingredients done justice in a cake form. However, this time featuring the unique, buttery fruit known as ackee paired with succulent saltfish.
Nutritionally Balanced, Delightfully Tasty
Beyond just being a personal favorite, the Ackee and Saltfish Fritters are packed with nutritional goodness. The star of the show, the ackee, while not a native New England fruit, has largely gone unnoticed for its health benefits. Its high fiber content and low glycemic index make it excellent for maintaining a healthy body weight and controlling blood sugar levels. And let’s not forget about saltfish, a good source of protein, essential for growth and repair. Balanced off with veggies, spices, and flour, this dish becomes an all-rounder that’s not just well-balanced in flavors but in nutrients as well.
Perfect Pairings and Meal Suggestions
If you’re wondering what to serve alongside these luscious patties, think Caribbean. Grilled plantains or a light mango salad would complement the fritters wonderfully. Alternatively, these fritters can reignite those weekend brunch vibes when paired with some wholesome rye bread and perhaps a garnish of crispy bacon and kale salad.
The beauty of these fritters lies not just in their deliciousness, but how their taste can transport you to Caribbean shores, while echoing the comforting, familiar flavors of home. They’re almost a way of traveling, without really going anywhere.
And it’s not just the taste; preparing this dish is a joy unto itself. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers mingling with the golden hue of turmeric and contrasting with the soft, buttery ackee – it’s like a vibrant palette on your kitchen counter! Plus, nothing beats the aroma of fresh thyme and minced garlic sizzling in the pan.
But, don’t just take my word for it. If you are a fan of seafood cakes, fish and chips, or anything akin to these golden beauties, I encourage you to give Ackee and Saltfish Fritters a shot. You might just find a new kitchen favorite! If your family is anything like mine, especially my son who’s developed quite the appetite for mom’s cooking, they won’t be able to resist them.
What You’ll Need
- 1 can (19 ounces) ackee, drained
- 1 pound boneless saltfish
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by soaking the saltfish in water for about 2 hours to remove excess salt. After soaking, boil it for about 20 minutes. Once done, drain the saltfish, allow it to cool, and then flake it into small pieces.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, black pepper, and turmeric. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until you have a thick smooth batter.
Step Four
Add the flaked saltfish, ackee, diced bell pepper, diced onion, minced garlic, minced Scotch bonnet pepper, and thyme leaves to the batter. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step Five
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan. When the oil is hot, drop tablespoons of the batter into the oil and fry until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Use a slotted spoon to turn the fritters so that they fry evenly.
Step Six
Remove the fritters from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
Step Seven
Garnish the Ackee and Saltfish Fritters with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
