Green Fig and Saltfish Recipe
Green Fig and Saltfish, also known as Green Banana and Saltfish, is a culturally significant dish originating from the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. This hearty meal is considered the national dish of Saint Lucia, highlighting the island's rich culinary history influenced by African, French, and British cultures. Traditionally, this dish was prepared by using green fig, which refers to unripened bananas, and saltfish, also known as salted cod, as its main components.
Ingredients
- Green bananas - 12 bananas
- Saltfish (Salted Cod) - 1 pound
- Onion - 1 large, diced
- Bell pepper - 1, chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Tomato - 2, diced
- Thyme - 1 tablespoon
- Scallion - 3 stalks, chopped
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Black pepper - to taste
- Caribbean pepper - 1, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- Water - as needed for boiling
Preparation
Preparing the Saltfish
To remove the excess salt from the saltfish, soak it in a bowl of water overnight or at least for a few hours. Change the water once or twice to ensure thorough desalting. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the saltfish under cold running water.
Next, place the saltfish in a pot and cover with fresh water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Drain and cool the saltfish, then remove any skin and bones. Use your fingers or a fork to flake the saltfish into bite-sized pieces.
Preparing the Green Figs
Trim the ends of each green banana and make a shallow slit along the length of the skin. This will help to remove it easily after boiling. Place the prepared green bananas in a large pot of boiling water. Allow them to cook for about 20–30 minutes until tender. Once done, drain and let them cool slightly before unpeeling.
Cooking Process
Sautéing the Saltfish
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant.
Stir in the flaked saltfish. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, and thyme. As an option, you can also add a finely chopped Caribbean pepper for added heat. Cook everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors. Finally, season with black pepper to taste.
Finishing the Dish
Place the peeled green bananas onto a serving dish. Pile the saltfish mixture on top or to the side, according to your preference. Some prefer to have the saltfish mixed directly with the green bananas, while others serve it separately. Both ways offer a delightful experience.
How to Enjoy Green Fig and Saltfish
This meal is typically enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, but it can also be served for lunch or dinner. Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the saltiness of the fish and to add a refreshing element to the meal. Pair with coconut water or a cold local beer to make the dining experience authentically Caribbean.
As you savor each bite, dream of the sunny beaches and the vibrant culture of Saint Lucia, which adds to the richness of this dish’s history. Whether you’re serving it to your household or introducing it to friends, it’s not just a meal; it's a taste of Caribbean heritage, bringing together simplicity and flavor that has been enjoyed by many generations.
For accurate timing when preparing various components of this dish, consider using a cooking timer to ensure a perfect balance between each step of the cooking process.