The Ultimate Island Flavor Explosion | Saltfish & Plantain Arepa Remix | Chef Winston

saltfish

🥗Healthier: smoked mackerel

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna is more affordable and still provides a good protein source.

ripe plantains

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: regular potatoes

Regular potatoes are less expensive and can be used in a pinch.

Start by making the arepa dough with precooked cornmeal, adding brown sugar and salt.

Mix warm milk, coconut milk, and melted butter, then pour it into the cornmeal mixture slowly to create a dough.

Knead the dough until it is smooth and not too sticky, then cover and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Prepare the saltfish by soaking salted pollock in water overnight to extract salt, then rinse and sauté with olive oil, garlic, peppers, onions, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme.

After sautéing, chop the fish and mix it with the sautéed vegetables.

Divide the rested dough into thirds, form into smooth balls, and flatten to about ½ inch thickness.

Heat a skillet and toast the arepas until they have a nice color, then transfer them to the oven to cook for 15-20 minutes.

While the arepas are cooking, make an avocado crema by blending fresh avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cayenne pepper, and salt until smooth.

Once the arepas are done, brush them with garlic butter, slice them open, and stuff with sweet plantains and the saltfish mixture.

Serve with the avocado crema on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary