
Saltfish was once what would be considered poor people's food and was used to feed slaves and indentured labourers during colonial times in the West Indies. Today, saltfish is still quite commonplace although now it has become one of the more expensive grocery items as it find its way into many West Indian dishes.
It would only be fair to tell you that saltfish is somewhat of an acquired taste and many people find its pungent aroma and flavour a bit overwhelming!! As immortalised by Trini calypsonian The Mighty Sparrow, "It sweeter than meat, when yuh want to eat, all saltfish sweet!"
Here is one of my favorite ways to prepare Saltfish because once the prep is done, it's quick and easy and equally delicious!
You will need:
1/2 Pound of Saltfish
1 can chopped Tomatoes
1 Sweet Pepper
1 Medium Onion
2 Cloves of Garlic
1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
A pinch of roasted Cumin seeds (Geera)
1 Tablespoon of chopped cilantro (or Shadon Beni if you can get it!)
3 Tablespoons of Olive oil
1 Tablespoon of Butter (Optional)
1 Hot pepper (Optional)
Method:
Rinse the saltfish in cold water and then soak for a few hours (better do this the night before) in a sealable container, this helps get the salt out. When ready to use, drain and discard the water. Put the saltfish back into the bowl and pour in enough boiling hot water to cover up the fish for another 15-20 mins, this helps to soften it up. In the mean time chop the onion, sweet pepper and cilantro and crush the garlic.



Allow to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before serving over a bed of fragrant steamed rice and dhal....

yyuuuuummmmmmm!!!!!! i could eat this til i explode!!!
ReplyDeletepost recipe for pepper shrimp!
...beans
Pepper Shrimp coming soon!
ReplyDeleteLawd... must try to find salt fish in Elbonia. I cyah make a good dhal at all though. Might try again with your recipe.
ReplyDeleteT.