🍲 Baked Saltfish & Bakes 🐟

This delightful Caribbean dish combines fluffy bakes with savory saltfish, creating a comforting meal that evokes memories of family gatherings and sunny Sundays. Perfect for brunch or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your table.

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🌍 What Is Baked Saltfish & Bakes?

Baked saltfish and bakes is a traditional Caribbean dish, particularly popular in Saint Lucia. It features salted fish, typically pollock, that is rehydrated and sautéed with fresh vegetables and spices, served alongside soft, fried bakes. This dish is a staple in many Caribbean households, often enjoyed on weekends.

🧾 Ingredients

**Base:**

- 3 cups self-rising flour

- ¼ cup brown sugar

- 2 tablespoons softened butter

- 1 cup warm water

**Optional:**

- 1 pack dried salted pollock

- ½ large onion (or medium/small onion)

- 1 small bell pepper (any color)

- 2 roma tomatoes

- ½ cup chopped cilantro (or parsley)

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- ½ teaspoon thyme

- ½ teaspoon cumin

- ½ teaspoon complete seasoning

- ½ teaspoon oregano

- Olive oil (for sautéing and salad)

- Cucumber (for salad)

- Garlic powder (to taste for salad)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the Dough for Bakes:**

- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of self-rising flour and ¼ cup of brown sugar.

- Make a well in the center and add 2 tablespoons of softened butter.

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- Gradually pour in 1 cup of warm water, mixing with your fingers until a dough forms.

- Knead the dough for about 2 minutes until smooth. If it's too stiff, add a tablespoon of water; if too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour.

- Dust your hands with flour to prevent sticking, cover the dough, and let it rest for 15 minutes.

2. **Shape the Dough:**

- After resting, divide the dough into golf ball-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.

- Let the dough balls rest for another 15 minutes.

3. **Prepare the Saltfish:**

- Soak 1 pack of dried salted pollock in boiling water for 5-10 minutes to remove excess salt. Drain and repeat this process two more times.

- After the final soak, break the fish into pieces with a fork.

4. **Chop the Vegetables:**

- Roughly chop ½ large onion, 1 small bell pepper, and 2 roma tomatoes.

- Chop ½ cup of cilantro (or parsley) and set aside.

5. **Cook the Saltfish:**

- In a heated pan, add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Sauté the onions and bell pepper until softened.

- Add the drained saltfish and stir for about 5 minutes.

- Incorporate the spices: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon thyme, cumin, complete seasoning, and oregano.

- Finally, add the chopped tomatoes and cilantro, stirring gently to combine. Cook for an additional minute.

6. **Fry the Bakes:**

- In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil until hot. Test readiness by dropping a small piece of dough into the oil; it should bubble vigorously.

- Carefully place 4-5 dough balls into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

- Remove the bakes and drain on paper towels.

🍽️ How to Serve

Serve the fluffy bakes alongside the savory saltfish mixture. Optionally, prepare a refreshing cucumber salad with olive oil and garlic powder to complement the dish.

💡 Pro Tips

- To avoid a strong fish odor, soak the saltfish in boiling water instead of cooking it on the stove.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; feel free to add more spices or herbs as desired.

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- For a healthier option, consider baking the bakes instead of frying.

🔥 Why You’ll Love This

Baked saltfish and bakes is not only a delicious meal but also a nostalgic one, reminiscent of family traditions and joyful gatherings. The combination of fluffy bakes and flavorful saltfish creates a satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Enjoy this taste of the Caribbean!