Comforting Breadfruit Oil Down
A comforting Breadfruit Oil Down recipe featuring mature breadfruit, salted pigtail, coconut milk, pumpkin, and traditional Caribbean seasonings. This Trinidad and Tobago family recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and enjoying authentic island flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 scallions chopped
- 7 cloves garlic smashed
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 pimento peppers chopped
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 5 to 6 pounds mature breadfruit peeled and chopped
- 2 pounds salted pigtail prepared
- 3/4 pound pumpkin cut into chunks
- 1 large carrot chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 pound spinach washed and chopped
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 6 cups water
- 2 tablespoons Caribbean green seasoning
- 1 small Scotch Bonnet pepper whole or sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/4 cup celery mostly leaves, chopped
- 12 to 15 okra trimmed and halved, optional
Instructions
- Wash the salted pigtail with the juice of a lime or lemon. Drain, place in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for about 50 minutes to help tenderize the meat while removing much of the curing salt. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, scallions, garlic, thyme, pimento peppers, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Add the prepared mature breadfruit (try to get a mature breadfruit, as younger ones can have a bitterness to them), the prepared salted pigtail, pumpkin, carrot, salt, spinach, and coconut milk. Stir everything together to combine.
- Pour in the water, ensuring all the ingredients are covered.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Caribbean green seasoning, Scotch Bonnet pepper, grated ginger, and celery.
- Cook for approximately 75 minutes, adding additional water if necessary.
- Once the breadfruit is almost fully cooked, stir in the okra.
- Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the breadfruit, vegetables, and pigtail are tender.
- Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Remember that the salted pigtail will have a salty element to them, even after pre-boiling.
- Serve with the consistency you prefer, whether slightly thick. Keep in mind the oil down will continue to thicken as it cools.
- If you enjoy this recipe and have a true appreciation for breadfruit, be sure to try my Breadfruit Pie, Breadfruit Salad, Fried Breadfruit, Roasted Breadfruit with Stewed Saltfish, and one of my longtime favorites, Breadfruit Simmered with Stewed Pork, a dish my mom has been making for our family since I was a little fella growing up in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Breadfruit Oil Down without salted pigtail?
Absolutely. Salted beef, smoked turkey, salted pork, Salted cod, or even a vegetarian version all work well while maintaining the comforting nature of the dish.Is Breadfruit Oil Down the same as Grenadian Oil Down?
No. While they share a name and some ingredients, Grenadian Oil Down is the national dish of Grenada and traditionally includes a wider variety of meats, dumplings, and ground provisions with a much drier finish. This Trinidad and Tobago family version is simpler and focuses on the beautiful combination of breadfruit, coconut milk, and salted pigtail.Can I substitute spinach for dasheen bush?
Yes. Spinach is an excellent substitute and is much easier to find. Dasheen bush remains the traditional choice when available. Should you be able to source dasheen bush (Taro leaves), may I recommend using it, as the final outcome is much better than using spinach.How do I know when breadfruit is fully cooked?
The breadfruit should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork while still holding its shape. As it cooks, some pieces naturally break down, helping to thicken the oil down.Can I freeze Breadfruit Oil Down?
Yes. Allow it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers. It freezes well for up to three months and reheats beautifully. However, you may find a slight difference in the overall texture of the reheated breadfruit. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!