Have you ever wondered what the people of Saint Lucia eat? What is their national dish and what makes it so special? Green figs are not actually figs, but unripe bananas that are boiled and peeled. They have a starchy and slightly sweet taste, similar to plantains. They are also rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin C, making them a healthy and filling choice. Salt fish is cod that has been preserved with salt and then soaked to remove some of the saltiness. It is flaked and cooked with onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and herbs to create a savory and spicy sauce. Salt fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium, which are essential for your health.

The combination of green figs and salt fish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with some breadfruit, dasheen, or bakes on the side. Breadfruit is a starchy fruit that can be roasted, boiled, or fried. Dasheen is a root vegetable that can be mashed, boiled, or made into soup. Bakes are fried dough balls that can be stuffed with cheese, meat, or jam. These accompaniments add more variety and taste to your meal.

Green figs and salt fish is more than just a dish, it is a symbol of Saint Lucia’s culture and identity. It reflects the island’s history of colonization, slavery, and independence, as well as its diversity and creativity. It is a dish that has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is still enjoyed today by locals and visitors alike. It is a dish that celebrates the island’s resilience, resourcefulness, and beauty.

If you want to experience the true taste of Saint Lucia, you have to try green figs and salt fish. It is a dish that will make you feel at home, even if you are miles away from the island. It is a dish that will make you smile, even if you are having a bad day. It is a dish that will make you happy, even if you have nothing else to be happy about.

Ingredients:

– 8 green figs (unripe bananas)

– 1/2 pound of salt fish (cod)

– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

– 1 onion, chopped

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

– 1/4 teaspoon of thyme

– 1/4 teaspoon of parsley

– 1/4 teaspoon of chives

– 1/4 teaspoon of salt

– 2 tomatoes, chopped

– 1 green bell pepper, chopped

– 2 tablespoons of water

Directions:

1. Peel the green figs and cut them into quarters. Place them in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Soak the salt fish in cold water for about an hour, changing the water several times to remove some of the saltiness. Drain and flake the fish with a fork.

3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, black pepper, thyme, parsley, chives, and salt. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden.

4. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.

5. Add the salt fish and stir well. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the fish is heated through.

6. Serve the green figs and salt fish on a large platter, with some breadfruit, dasheen, or bakes on the side.

It is a dish that will make you say: “This is Saint Lucia!”

Enjoy!

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