Jamaican Saltfish and Okra
A savory and satisfying dish made with rehydrated salt cod, tender okra, and aromatic vegetables, often served for breakfast or as a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Salt cod (bacalhau)
- 450 g Okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(any color, chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped, seeds removed)
- 1 sprig Thyme(fresh)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 60 ml Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the salt cod in cold water for at least 24 hours, changing the water 3-4 times, or boil it in several changes of water for about 30 minutes until desalted. Drain, flake into bite-sized pieces, and remove any bones or skin.
💡 Tip: Soaking overnight is preferred for best results. - 2
In a separate pot, blanch the cut okra in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to reduce sliminess. Drain well and set aside.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 4
Add minced garlic and chopped scotch bonnet pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they begin to break down, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Add the flaked salt cod, blanched okra, thyme sprig, black pepper, and water to the skillet. Stir gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to over-stir, which can make the okra mushy. - 7
Cover and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the salt cod to absorb the sauce.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes💡 Tip: The dish should be moist but not soupy. - 8
Remove the thyme sprig. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary (salt cod is already salty).
💡 Tip: Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Properly desalting the salt cod is crucial for the dish's flavor.
- ✓Blanching the okra helps to minimize its natural sliminess.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to control the heat level.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of chopped scallions towards the end of cooking.
- Some recipes include a small amount of butter for richness.