Ackee and Saltfish with Fried Dumplings and Plantain

Inspired by techniques from NYT Cooking.

Ackee and saltfish · Jamaican

Flaked saltfish folded gently with ackee, peppers and aromatics, served alongside crisp fried dumplings and caramelised plantain.

Prep25 min
Cook35 min
Total1 h
DifficultyMedium
Per serving689 kcal
FreeSource of proteinDairy-freeNo added sugar
Servings4Recipe makes 4
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Soak. Soak 225 g salt cod in cold water in the fridge overnight, changing the water 2-3 times, then drain.

  2. 2

    Poach. Simmer the cod in fresh water for 10 min, drain, cool and flake, removing any skin or bones.

  3. 3

    Dough. Mix 250 g flour, 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt, stir in 150 ml cold water to a firm dough, knead for 2 min, rest for 10 min, then divide into 8 balls and flatten.

  4. 4

    Fry dumplings. Heat 1 cm of oil in a pan and fry the dumplings, turning, until golden and cooked through, 10-12 min, then drain.

  5. 5

    Fry plantain. In the same oil, fry the sliced plantains until caramelised, 2-3 min per side, then drain.

  6. 6

    Soften. Heat 3 tbsp coconut oil and cook the onion, red pepper, garlic, spring onion, thyme and chilli until soft, 5 min.

  7. 7

    Addfish. Stir in the flaked saltfish and tomato wedges and cook for 3-4 min.

  8. 8

    Ackee. Fold in the drained ackee very gently so it stays in pieces, warm through for 3-4 min, then season with ½ tsp pepper.

  9. 9

    Serve. Remove the thyme stems and serve with the dumplings and plantain.

Storage

Best eaten freshly cooked; any leftovers can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated until hot throughout before serving. Cool leftovers in a shallow container and refrigerate within 2 hours (within 1 hour on a day above 32°C).

EU nutrition claims

  • Source of protein: 3.2 g protein per 100 kcal, about 13% of energy (needs ≥ 12%)

Per serving, from the nutrition table. Condition from the Annex to EU Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. How we decide

Free sugars

Sugar (daily guide)

0 g per serving

0 % of the 50 g daily maximum · 0 % of the ideal 25 g

Free sugars under 50 g a day, ideally about 25 g, based on WHO free-sugar guidance (not endorsed by WHO). The share shown is the share of one serving. WHO

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • large frying pan or sauté pan
  • second frying pan
  • slotted spoon
  • kitchen paper

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy689 kcal
Protein22.1 g
Carbohydrate84.3 g
of which sugars19.8 g
of which free sugars0 g
Fat30.4 g
of which saturates9 g
Fibre7 g
Salt2.21 g

Protein per 100 kcal

3.2 g High Protein needs ≥ 5 g (20% of energy)

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values