Ensalada de Bacalao y Guineitos [Puerto Rican Cod Salad with Green Bananas]

salted cod

🥗Healthier: fresh fish

💰Cheaper: canned tuna

Canned tuna offers a budget-friendly alternative with a similar texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a cost-effective option for acidity.

cilantro

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Dried herbs can be a more affordable alternative with a longer shelf life.

Wash the salted cod with cold water a couple of times to remove excess salt.

Soak the cod in a container with water for about 4 hours (overnight is also an option).

Transfer the soaked cod to a caldero (Puerto Rican pot) and cook on medium-high heat for about 25 minutes.

Prepare the green bananas by cutting the edges slightly without peeling them, then place them in a pot of water.

Add 3/4 cup of milk to the pot with the bananas to prevent them from turning dark while cooking.

Cook the bananas for about 12-13 minutes until tender, then remove them from the pot and let them cool for about 25 minutes.

Chop the yellow onion and caramelize it in a skillet with 1/2 cup of olive oil on medium heat, adding salt and black pepper to taste.

Add chopped bell pepper to the onions and continue to caramelize for about 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic and mix well.

Once the bananas are cool, peel and cut them into rounds, then transfer them to a mixing container.

Flake the cooked cod, removing as many bones as possible, and add it to the container with the bananas.

Mix the cod and bananas together, then add the caramelized onions and bell pepper mixture.

Add a few allspice berries and a bay leaf for aroma, then season with a pinch of black pepper.

Pour in 1/4 cup of white vinegar and mix everything together thoroughly.

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: