Saltfish and Okra Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring salted codfish, tender okra, and aromatic vegetables, simmered in a savory broth. This dish highlights the use of readily available ingredients and traditional Caribbean cooking methods.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Salted codfish(soaked overnight and desalted, then cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 250 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 medium Bell pepper(chopped (any color))
- 2 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 1 tbsp Thyme(fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely minced (optional, adjust to taste))
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 cups Water or fish stock
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the salted codfish by soaking it in cold water overnight, changing the water a few times to remove excess salt. Drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and minced scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and fresh thyme. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down slightly.
- 5
Add the prepared salted codfish pieces to the pot and stir to combine with the vegetables.
- 6
Pour in the water or fish stock. Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- 7
Add the sliced okra to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the stew has thickened slightly. Avoid over-stirring once the okra is added to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
- 8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be mindful of the saltiness from the codfish when adding salt.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot, typically with rice, boiled green bananas, or breadfruit.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the salted codfish is thoroughly desalted to avoid an overly salty stew.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to control the heat level.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water or stock.
- ✓Okra can become slimy if overcooked; cook just until tender.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like chopped carrots or sweet potatoes for a heartier stew.
- A splash of lime juice can add brightness to the finished dish.
- Some recipes include a small amount of coconut milk for added richness.