The Classic Weekend Breakfast

During my time in Canada we never failed to eat Ackee and Saltfish at least once within 2 weeks, and more often than not on the weekend. The taste started to grow on me after eating it for so long, and not to brag but my grandma's makes the best breakfasts. Fried dumplings, boiled bananas and yams, cornmeal porridge, Ackee and Saltfish, mmm so satisfying. On the actual blog topic though, Ackee and saltfish is a tremendously popular food in Jamaica and is actually their national dish. It consists of, you guessed it, ackee and saltfish. For those of you who don't know ackee is a fruit native to many Caribbean islands as well as in much of Tropical West Africa. The meat it yellow in color and very soft and smooth when ripe. Before I go off on a tangent again on Ackee though here's a link if you want to learn more http://www.jamaicatravelandculture.com/food_and_drink/ackee.htm. No, there's no long history behind saltfish, unlike ackee, it's just a fish (normally Cod) that's been preserved in salt for a while. To make Ackee and saltfish, you simply must sauté some Ackee, flaked saltfish, chopped onions, tomatoes, scallions, and bell pepper, and add a few spices like black pepper, salt, etc. I know, doesn't sound simple, but as long as you can sauté some ingredients without burning them to blackened charcoal, you'll be fine. Also don't forget to soak the ackee as well and pour off the water before adding to the pan. Don't be afraid to add more meats and poultry to the pan other than just saltfish as well because experimenting with meats often works with Ackee. Boiled or fried dumplings, boiled green bananas, yam, breadfruit, and plantain are all different sides to go along with this dish. My personal favorite is the dumplings, but you can decide which one is yours if you try it yourself. Trust me, the accompaniment of any of those sides bring the dish to a new level when you eat them together. I've probably chatted off your ears enough with all my talk on this Classical Jamaican breakfast, so I'll just link you the recipe so you can get on with your life. http://jamaicainn.com/blog/recipe-ackee-saltfish-jamaicas-national-dish/.