Description
This vibrant Jamaican Fruit and Saltfish recipe combines the savory, salty flavors of shredded salted cod with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh mangoes. Enhanced with aromatic thyme, bell pepper, and sautéed onions, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a delightful Caribbean-inspired meal that can be enjoyed warm for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Vegetables
- 2 cups salted cod fish, soaked overnight and shredded
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon thyme
Fruit
- 1 cup ripe banana, sliced
- 1 cup fresh mango, diced
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Soak and shred the salted cod: Begin by soaking the salted cod fish in water overnight to remove excess salt. After soaking, drain the fish and carefully shred it into small pieces to prepare it for cooking.
- Sauté the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the shredded cod: Add the shredded saltfish to the pan with the onions and cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the fish to warm through.
- Add seasoning and bell pepper: Stir in the diced bell pepper, black pepper, and thyme. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the pepper and distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Incorporate fruit: Gently fold in the sliced banana and diced mango, careful not to mash the fruit. Cook for another 2 minutes just until everything is heated through and flavors blend nicely.
- Serve warm: Remove the pan from heat and serve the dish warm, garnished with additional fresh fruit if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and color.
Notes
- Soaking the salted cod overnight is essential to reduce saltiness and soften the fish.
- If fresh mango is not available, frozen mango chunks can be used as an alternative.
- Adjust the black pepper to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with fried dumplings, bread, or steamed rice.
- For a less sweet version, reduce the quantity of banana or mango as desired.
