Saltfish and Bake

Name: Saltfish and Bake
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb dried salt cod (boneless or bone-in), soaked overnight; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp granulated sugar; 3/4 cup warm water; 2 cups vegetable oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 Roma tomatoes, diced; 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or 1 tsp hot sauce), seeded, minced; 4 scallions, sliced; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 tsp black pepper

A beloved Caribbean breakfast of flaky, savory salt cod sauteed with tomatoes, onion, and peppers, served alongside golden fried dough bakes. Plan ahead: soak the saltfish overnight to remove excess salt.

70 minMediumServes 4520 cal/serving

CaribbeanBreakfastStovetopPescatarianHigh FiberHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb dried salt cod (boneless or bone-in), soaked overnight
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp granulated sugar
3/4 cup warm water
2 cups vegetable oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or 1 tsp hot sauce), seeded, minced
4 scallions, sliced
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Drain the soaked 1 lb soaked overnight dried salt cod (boneless or bone-in) and place it in a saucepan. Cover with fresh cold water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain. Taste; if still very salty, boil once more in fresh water for 5 more minutes. Drain, let cool slightly, then flake the fish into pieces, removing any bones.
2

Make the bake dough: in a bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tsp granulated sugar. Add 3/4 cup warm water gradually and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead briefly for 1 minute. Divide into 8 equal balls and flatten each into a round about 1/2 inch thick. Rest 10 minutes.
3

Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough rounds in batches, 2 to 3 minutes per side, until puffed and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
4

In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 seeded, minced scotch bonnet pepper (or 1 tsp hot sauce) and cook 1 more minute.
5

Add 2 diced Roma tomatoes and 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes break down, about 4 minutes.
6

Add the flaked dried salt cod (boneless or bone-in) and 4 sliced scallions. Stir gently to combine and heat through, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Taste before adding any extra salt, as the fish retains saltiness.
7

Serve the saltfish alongside the warm bakes. Split the bakes open and fill or top with the saltfish mixture.

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Questions

How hot should the oil be for Saltfish and Bake?

For Saltfish and Bake, the frying oil is held at 350 F (about 175 C) in step 3. Hotter scorches the outside before the inside cooks, and cooler turns it greasy.

How do I know when Saltfish and Bake is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 3: cook until puffed and golden brown.

Is there a substitute for Scotch bonnet in Saltfish and Bake?

The entry for Saltfish and Bake calls for 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or 1 tsp hot sauce), seeded, minced. In its place: Habanero has the same heat and a similar fruitiness. For much less heat, use a jalapeno and a strip of orange bell pepper.

Is Saltfish and Bake spicy?

Yes, it is properly hot. The heat in Saltfish and Bake comes from 1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (or 1 tsp hot sauce), seeded, minced. For a milder plate, remove the seeds and ribs from the scotch bonnet, or use half; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Saltfish and Bake contain fish?

Yes: 1 lb dried salt cod (boneless or bone-in), soaked overnight. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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