| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 16g | 4g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 3g | 23g | 1.5g |
As a Southern belle with a knack for comforting, hearty dishes, it’s no surprise that I found myself captivated by the Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish. Originating from the sun-kissed shores of Jamaica, this delightful dish brings together a wonderful symphony of flavors and textures that serves to tantalize and satisfy in equal measure.
The Health Benefits
One of the reasons I love this recipe revolves around its impressive array of health benefits. Saltfish is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for cardiovascular health. In addition, I relish the fact that ackee – a somewhat unknown yet exciting fruit in the culinary world – provides ample amounts of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and zinc. (source)
Where Tradition Meets Innovation
The Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish, to me, is a delightful fusion where my Southern cooking traditions meet the vibrant and innovative spirit of Jamaican cuisine. The blend of the savory saltfish with the buttery ackee, coupled with an ensemble of aromatic ingredients, echoes the marriage of fried chicken and biscuits typical of Southern meals. The dish also reminds me a little of my own coastal seafood dishes, especially the use of fresh bell peppers and onions – a parallel that I find both intriguing and endearing.
For those who love a spicy kick in their meals, the optional addition of the Scotch bonnet pepper brings a fiery edge that complements the mellow flavors of ackee and saltfish. However, keep a glass of water handy! Those peppers pack quite a punch. (source)
This hearty, flavorful recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I personally love pairing it with a light coleslaw to add a refreshing touch, or with sweet cornbread to balance its savory notes.
Whether you’re looking for a unique twist to your regular dinner rotation, or seeking a new recipe to add to your culinary repertoire, I believe the Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish is an exceptional choice. Its vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and health benefits truly make it a winning dish.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of boneless salted fish
- 2 cans of ackee, drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 servings of cooked white rice or bread
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing the salted fish under cold water to remove some of the salt off. Then place it in a large pot filled with water and let it boil for about 20 minutes. After it’s done boiling, drain the water and set the fish aside to cool.
Step Two
While the fish is cooling down, take a large pan and add the olive oil. Set it on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients until the onions become translucent.
Step Three
In the sautéed vegetables, add the diced tomatoes, scotch bonnet pepper, thyme, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Once the fish has cooled down, use a fork to flake it into smaller pieces. Add these pieces to the pan with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Stir in the cans of ackee and mix everything together gently.
Step Five
If you’re using bacon, this is the time to add it. Stir in the crisped, crumbled bacon pieces into the pan. Let everything cook together and simmer for about 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
Step Six
After 10 minutes of simmering, your Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish is ready to eat. Serve the dish hot over the cooked white rice or bread of your choice. Enjoy your traditional Jamaican meal.
