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Green Fig and Saltfish

Savoring Saint Lucia: A Taste of Tradition with Green Fig and Saltfish" invites readers to explore the heartwarming and flavorful world of Saint Lucian cuisine through its iconic national dish, Green Fig and Saltfish. This article delves into the cultural significance and history behind this beloved dish, highlighting the fusion of African, Caribbean, and European influences that make it a culinary masterpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course National Dish
Cuisine Saint Lucia
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Green Fig and Saltfish:

  • 4 green bananas green figs
  • 1 pound salted codfish
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil vegetable or coconut oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 bell pepper finely chopped (any color)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tomatoes diced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves fresh or dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Hot pepper sauce optional, for added heat
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salted Codfish:

  • Start by rinsing the salted codfish under cold running water to remove some of the saltiness.
  • Then, place the codfish in a bowl of cold water and let it soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, changing the water a few times. Taste a small piece to ensure it's not too salty; if it is, continue soaking until it's to your liking.
  • Once desalted, shred the codfish into small pieces and set it aside.

Prepare the Green Bananas (Green Figs):

  • Cut off both ends of the green bananas and make a shallow slit along the length of each banana.
  • Place the bananas in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender. You can check for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft.
  • Drain the boiled bananas, let them cool slightly, and then peel off the skin. Slice them into rounds and set them aside.

Cooking the Dish:

  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
  • Add the shredded codfish, diced tomatoes, thyme, and black pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir for another 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and the codfish is well combined with the vegetables.
  • If you like some heat, you can add a few dashes of hot pepper sauce at this stage, or serve it on the side for individual preference.

Bringing It All Together:

  • Add the sliced boiled green bananas (green figs) to the skillet with the codfish mixture. Gently stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the bananas through.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve:

  • Once everything is well combined and heated, transfer the Green Fig and Saltfish to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

Your Saint Lucian Green Fig and Saltfish is now ready to be served. Enjoy this delicious taste of Saint Lucia with family and friends!
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