Saltfish with Veggies and Dumplings | Fried Plantain

saltfish

🥗Healthier: smoked mackerel

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna provides a similar texture and flavor at a lower cost.

callaloo

🥗Healthier: spinach

💰Cheaper: kale

Spinach is more accessible and retains a similar taste.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a cost-effective alternative for frying.

Fill a wide deep pot halfway with water.

Rinse the saltfish under running water and soak in water for several hours or overnight.

If short on time, boil the rinsed saltfish in the pot of water over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes.

Prepare the other ingredients while the saltfish is boiling: chop a whole red bell pepper, half of an orange bell pepper, half of a yellow bell pepper, and a couple of small tomatoes.

Measure out half a cup of extra virgin olive oil and heat it in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, add all the chopped vegetables and stir for about two minutes to keep them crisp.

Add the flaked saltfish and thyme leaves (about a tablespoon) to the pot, along with reserved scallions, and stir to combine.

Cook for about one to two minutes until everything is mixed well; do not add additional salt unless needed.

Finish with coarsely ground black pepper and give it a final stir before tasting.

To make the dumplings, combine four cups of flour, two teaspoons of salt, and two teaspoons of brown sugar in a bowl.

Gradually add lukewarm water to the flour mixture and knead until the dough is sticky, adding more flour if necessary.

Let the dough rest for about five minutes.

In a medium-sized pot, add eight cups of water and one tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil over medium heat.

Divide the rested dough into 16 pieces, shaping each piece into a round ball and then flattening it into a disk.

Alternatively, roll out the dough and cut out circles for dumplings.

Once the water is boiling, add the dumplings and ensure they are fully submerged; do not stir immediately.

After one or two minutes, gently stir the dumplings to prevent sticking, then let them boil for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked.

While the dumplings are cooking, prepare fried plantains by slicing them and frying in oil until dark golden brown or to your preference.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary