Entree: Dominica – Northern Culinary Region – Green Banana and Saltfish (Stewed unripe green bananas cooked with salted cod, vegetables, and island seasonings)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 30 min

Cook 20 min

Additional 8 hrs

Total 8 hrs 50 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) salted cod (saltfish), rinsed and soaked to remove excess salt
- 6 green bananas, about 1.5 lb (680 g), peeled and halved
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced, approx. 6 oz (170 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped, approx. 5 oz (140 g)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp (1 g) fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp (1 g) dried thyme
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
- 1 cup (240 ml) water or light fish stock
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) salt, adjust after tasting
- 2 scallions (green onions), chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Rinse the salted cod thoroughly. Soak in cold water for 8–12 hours in the refrigerator, changing the water once or twice. For a quicker method, simmer the salted cod in fresh water 10–15 minutes, drain, and rinse. Flake the fish, removing any bones and skin.
2. Place peeled and halved green bananas in a pot of boiling salted water and cook 12–18 minutes until just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper and sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, scotch bonnet if using, and thyme; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in chopped tomato and tomato paste and cook 2–3 minutes until the tomato begins to break down.
5. Add the flaked saltfish and 1 cup (240 ml) water or stock. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Add the par-cooked green bananas to the pot, gently stirring to coat with the sauce. Simmer 5–8 minutes so the bananas absorb the seasonings and everything is heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding black pepper and only a little additional salt if needed due to the saltfish. Stir in chopped scallions and parsley just before serving.
8. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.