Lunches
Provision with Saltfish
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 300 g boneless salt cod (saltfish)
- 300 g dasheen (taro), peeled and chunked
- 300 g breadfruit, peeled and chunked
- 2 green plantain, peeled and sliced thick
- 200 g sweet potato, peeled and chunked
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 sweet pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 ml vegetable oil
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Method
- Soak the salt cod in water for at least 2 hours, changing the water once; drain, then simmer in fresh water for 10 minutes and flake, discarding skin and bones.
- In a large pot of salted water, boil the dasheen, breadfruit and sweet potato for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, adding the plantain slices for the final 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan and sauté onion, garlic, sweet pepper and thyme until softened.
- Add the tomato and flaked saltfish, cooking for 8 minutes until well combined.
- Drain the boiled provisions and arrange on a serving platter.
- Spoon the saltfish mixture over or alongside the provisions and serve hot.
Introduction: Ground provisions — starchy root vegetables and breadfruit grown across Dominica’s fertile interior — form the backbone of the island’s diet.
Cultural Background: Ground provisions — starchy root vegetables and breadfruit grown across Dominica’s fertile interior — form the backbone of the island’s diet. Boiled and served with sautéed saltfish, this dish represents the self-sufficient farming tradition of Dominica, where nearly every household grows some of its own provision.
Tips: Cut each provision into similarly sized pieces so everything finishes cooking at the same time; dasheen and breadfruit cook at slightly different rates so check with a fork.
Variations: Smoked herring can replace saltfish for a different smoky flavour. Coconut oil is sometimes used in place of vegetable oil for a richer sauté.
Storage: Refrigerate boiled provisions and saltfish separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Steam or microwave provisions until warmed through; reheat saltfish in a covered pan over low heat.
Nutrition: Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 24 g | Carbs: 70 g | Fat: 12 g | Fibre: 8 g
FAQs
Q: What exactly counts as ‘provision’?
A: Provision refers to starchy staples like dasheen, breadfruit, yam, green plantain and sweet potato that form the base of a traditional Dominican meal.
Q: Can I use canned or frozen breadfruit?
A: Frozen breadfruit works well and saves preparation time; canned breadfruit can also be used but will have a softer texture.
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