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–+ servings

String Beans With Potato And Salted Cod

A classic Caribbean recipe for string beans cooked with potato, salted cod, and coconut cream. Simple, comforting, and full of flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast, Caribbean Classics, Comfort Food, Easy Caribbean Recipes, Seafood & Fish, Side Dishes
Cuisine General Caribbean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 lb salted cod soaked, rinsed, and shredded
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1/4 Scotch bonnet pepper optional
  • 2 thin slices ginger
  • 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 lbs string beans cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 medium potatoes sliced 1/8-inch thick
  • 1 tomato chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons coconut cream
  • 3/4 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil on a medium flame in a deep pan and add the prepared salted cod. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add the onion, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper (habanero will also work), ginger, and black pepper. Cook on low for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the string beans and stir well to coat with the seasoned base.
  • Increase the heat to medium and add the potato and tomato. Stir well.
  • Add the coconut cream, salt, and water. Cover the pan and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  • Cook with the lid on for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how tender you like your string beans.
  • Remove the lid to allow any remaining liquid to cook off. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with sada roti.

Video

Notes

FAQ

Can I use green beans instead of yard beans?
Yes, green beans or French beans are a perfect substitute and are commonly used outside the Caribbean.
How do I properly prepare salted cod?
Soak it in hot water or boil it for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse and shred while removing any bones. Even if you purchase 'boneless' salted fish (called saltfish in the Caribbean), please keep a keen eye out for tiny bones.
Is this dish very spicy?
No, the heat is mild. You can reduce or omit the Scotch bonnet pepper entirely. Remember to wash your hands immediately after handling hot peppers, even if you wear gloves.
What can I serve with string beans and salted cod?
Sada roti, rice, or boiled provisions all pair very well with this dish.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors improve after resting, making it ideal for leftovers. However, I don't recommend freezing any cooked string bean recipe as it tends to fall apart when thawed and the texture gets ruined IMHO.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!