Saltfish and callaloo

Saltfish and callaloo recipe – Embrace this traditional Jamaican breakfast made with onion, scallion, thyme, tomato, black pepper and fiery scotch bonnet.

If you’ve never been to the Caribbean before or don’t know much about the Islands then this dish will go over your head. The Caribbean islands are quite partial to consuming fish for breakfast, contrary to the Western Hemisphere. Saltfish in particular is a favourite among the islands. This Jamaican dish is very very simple to make and you only need a few ingredients to create this masterpiece.

What is callaloo?

In case you’re not in the know, callaloo is a dark leafy green vegetable that derives from the Spinach family. This vegetable was originally brought to the Caribbean islands from West Africa. In Trinidad, Grenada and Dominica they refer to dasheen/taro leaves as callaloo so it is not the same thing and not to be confused for the latter.

Nevertheless you can make some amazing things with this leafy green including soups, stew, fritters, side dishes or to simply serve as part of a main meal.

Growing up my mother and grandmother would soak and boil off the excess salt from the saltfish. Then saute some other vegetables and mix in the callaloo. For some reason, it felt like a feast and there was always leftovers for the next day because they cooked soooo much callaloo.

Like most leafy greens callaloo is a great source of iron and immune boosting properties.

How to make saltfish and callaloo

Saltfish and callaloo is probably one of the easiest recipes to make. In fact, it’s probably one of the first dishes I’d recommend as an introduction to Jamaican cuisines.

Canned vs fresh callaloo – If possible use fresh callaloo to make this dish. Unfortunately, if you live outside of the Caribbean you may face difficulties with getting hold of the fresh stuff. I am fortunate enough to have a “callaloo hook up” where I obtain what I need, depending on the time of year/availability.

If you have to depend on canned callaloo, just make sure it’s completely drained of the water. Rinse or better yet soak it before running it through a colander as it’s usually stored in brine.

Saltfish – I’m not a huge fan of conventional “saltfish” which is why I have made a post on how to make salt fish using fish fillets and unrefined salt. It’s a lot healthier then what’s sold in the stores and the only way I consume any recipe that features this fish.

Sauteing the ingredients – The first ingredients are the base of the dish – onion, scallion, garlic. They need to be sauted until they turn translucent. This should take roughly 1-2 minutes before proceeding with adding the salt fish and tomato. Just stir them so they heat through with the rest of the ingredients.

Pepper black and scotch bonnet – if you like some heat in your dish, add some scotch bonnet. How much heat is up to the individually, I chop about 1/2 a pepper into the recipe and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Steaming the callaloo – The last ingredient to add to the skillet should be the callaloo. Add 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover with a lid and let it steam for 10 minutes.

Is there a substitute for callaloo if I can’t find it?

Yes, you can use spinach, that’s the next best thing. Kale also works too!!

 

What can I serve saltfish and callaloo with

• Green banana
• Boiling dumpling
• Breadfruit

Making saltfish and callaloo (using pictures)

Rinse the callaloo (fresh and canned) in a colander several times then proceed to saute the onion, garlic and scallion

Add the saltfish to the pan along with the tomatoes, thyme and scotch bonnet

Season with black pepper and fold everything together

Finally add the callaloo with the water and steam for 10 minutes

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