Stewed Saltfish with Spicy Plantains

Name: Stewed Saltfish with Spicy Plantains
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Ingredients: 1 lb salted cod, soaked and desalted; 2 ripe plantains, sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 1 tomato, chopped; 2 scallions, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced; 3 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 sprig fresh thyme; Cayenne pepper to taste; Black pepper to taste

4 servings20 min prep30 min cookEasy Saint Kitts and Nevis

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The Story Behind It

The Tale of Stewed Saltfish with Spicy Plantains

Story updated September 17, 2026

Stewed saltfish with spicy plantains reflects the same imported-saltfish tradition found across the English-speaking Caribbean, paired here with plantains, a West African-introduced crop that thrived across the islands. It's a common, hearty St. Kitts breakfast or dinner dish.

Ingredients

Scale:· 4 servings

1 lb salted cod, soaked and desalted
2 ripe plantains, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 tomato, chopped
2 scallions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 sprig fresh thyme
Cayenne pepper to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1Soak the salted cod overnight in several changes of water, then simmer 10-12 minutes in fresh water; drain and flake.
2Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet and saute onion, garlic, scallions, and scotch bonnet pepper until softened.
3Add tomato and thyme, cooking 3-4 minutes, then stir in the flaked saltfish and simmer 8-10 minutes.
4In a separate pan, heat remaining oil and fry the plantain slices, sprinkling with cayenne pepper, until caramelized and spicy-sweet on both sides.
5Season the saltfish stew with black pepper to taste.
6Plate the stewed saltfish alongside the spicy fried plantains.
7Serve hot for breakfast or a light dinner.

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