Seasoned Breadfruit
A flavorful and versatile side dish, seasoned breadfruit is a staple in Saint Kitts and Nevis cuisine. Typically boiled until tender and then sautéed with aromatics, it offers a satisfying texture and can accompany various main courses, especially saltfish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Breadfruit(ripe, peeled and cored)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter or margarine
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(crushed)
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme(leaves)
- 0.5 medium Red bell pepper(diced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 0.5 cup Chicken broth or water
- 0.25 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the breadfruit: Peel the breadfruit, cut it into quarters, and remove the core. Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.
💡 Tip: Ensure the breadfruit is ripe for the best flavor and texture. - 2
Boil the breadfruit: Place the breadfruit cubes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain well.
- 3
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine with the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-8 minutes.
- 4
Add the crushed garlic, thyme leaves, diced red bell pepper, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Add the drained breadfruit to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth or water. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
💡 Tip: Using chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor. - 6
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the breadfruit to heat through.
- 7
Serve hot as a side dish. It is an excellent accompaniment to stewed saltfish, grilled fish, or chicken.
💡 Tip: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated gently.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Choose ripe breadfruit; it should yield slightly when pressed.
- ✓Do not overcook the breadfruit during boiling, as it will become mushy.
- ✓Adjust the amount of seasoning to your preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of allspice for a warmer flavor.
- Incorporate other vegetables like chopped carrots or celery.
- For a spicier version, add a finely chopped Scotch Bonnet pepper with the aromatics.