Bake and Saltfish: A classic Caribbean breakfast

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour + 1/2 cup for sprinkling and rolling
• 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar or fine cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened, but not melted
• 1 1/3 cup water, more as needed
• Oil for frying
• 20 oz boneless, skinless, salted white fish such as pollock or cod
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 wiri wiri pepper or 1 small scotch bonnet
• 1/4 cup green pepper, finely diced
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup fresh tomato, chopped
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 2 stems scallions
• Salt to taste, if desired
• 6 tablespoons oil for cooking

Instructions

1. 1

   For bakes: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and...: For bakes: Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Rub the butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Add water to flour and knead to form a stiff and smooth dough ball. Add flour as needed to bring the dough together.

2. 2

   Pinch off golf ball-sized pieces of dough and...: Pinch off golf ball-sized pieces of dough and roll them in the palms of your hand to make it smooth. Place on a greased plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Allow to sit for one hour minimum.

3. 3

   Heat oil for frying. Flour the surface and...: Heat oil for frying. Flour the surface and roll each dough ball to 1/4-1/8 inch thickness. Place dough gently in hot oil. Use a slotted spoon to pour a little oil over the bake as it fries, this will help it puff up.

4. 4

   Flip to the other side. Fry until golden...: Flip to the other side. Fry until golden brown on both sides.

5. 5

   For saltfish: Fill the pot with enough water...: For saltfish: Fill the pot with enough water to cover the saltfish. Boil for 5-6 minutes. Drain and fill with clean water. Boil another 5-6 minutes. Drain and flake fish with a fork. Set aside.

6. 6

   Heat a frying pan with oil. Add onion,...: Heat a frying pan with oil. Add onion, garlic, hot pepper, and green pepper to the pan. Cook until onions are tender. Add saltfish and seasonings. Cook a couple of minutes then add chopped tomatoes. Let cook for 5-6 minutes until tomatoes have melted into fish.

7. 7

   Add tomato paste and scallions. Mix well. Adjust...: Add tomato paste and scallions. Mix well. Adjust salt to taste.

8. 8

   Let it cook a couple of minutes then...: Let it cook a couple of minutes then remove from heat.