How To Make Jamaica’s National Dish|Ackee & Saltfish|THE RAINA’S KITCHEN

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make Jamaica’s national dish, Ackee and Saltfish. This flavorful dish combines the unique taste of ackee fruit with salted codfish, complemented by a variety of vegetables and seasonings. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or dinner, follow these steps to recreate this Caribbean favorite.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Ackee: Rinse a can of ackee to remove any excess canned flavor. If you have fresh ackee, that’s even better.
• Saltfish: Use about 6 ounces (half a pack) of saltfish. Rinse it to remove excess salt.
• Vegetables: Chop the following:
  • 1 medium onion (optional)
  • 2 stalks of scallion (green onion)
  • 2 tomatoes
  • Garlic (to taste)
  • Scotch bonnet pepper (or any preferred hot pepper)
  • Pimento seeds (allspice berries) for added flavor
  • Fresh thyme (optional)
• Starchy Sides: You can also prepare yam, banana, sweet potato, and corn as sides.

Step 2: Boil the Saltfish

• Place the rinsed saltfish in a pot with enough water to cover it.
• Boil for 10–15 minutes to remove excess salt.
• After boiling, remove the saltfish and set it aside. You may need to add more water if it's too salty.

Step 3: Cook the Starchy Sides

• In a separate pot, add water and bring it to a boil.
• Add the prepared yam, banana, sweet potato, and corn.
• Season the water with salt to taste and add a splash of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
• Allow to cook until tender.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat a pan and add coconut oil (for flavor).
• Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and scallions until fragrant.
• Add the tomatoes, scotch bonnet, pimento seeds, and thyme.
• Stir well to combine and cook for a few minutes.

Step 5: Combine Ackee and Saltfish

• Add the boiled saltfish to the sautéed vegetables.
• Gently fold in the rinsed ackee. Be careful not to mash the ackee too much.
• Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Adjust to taste.
• If the mixture looks dry, add a little more coconut oil instead of water.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Once combined, add the green onion as a garnish.
• Cover and let it cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors.
• Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve the ackee and saltfish alongside the boiled yam, banana, and sweet potato.
• Enjoy with dumplings or over rice if desired.

Conclusion

You now have a delicious plate of Ackee and Saltfish ready to enjoy! This dish showcases the vibrant flavors of Jamaica and can easily be adapted with your choice of ingredients. Feel free to experiment with different meats or vegetables, and remember that leftovers can be repurposed for other meals. Happy cooking!