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Caribbean

Saint Lucian Green Fig and Saltfish

Saint Lucian green fig and saltfish with boiled green bananas, peppers, onion, and herbs.

Published and reviewed by Kitchgrow on 1 September 2026Updated

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Saint Lucian Green Fig and Saltfish

1 hrtotal

40 min hands-on20 min hands-off

Prep 20 min · Cook 20 min

Serves
2
Difficulty
Easy
Spice
Medium
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Ingredients

Quantities are for 2 servings.

You'll need: Stovetop.

Salt cod may need about 20 minutes of soaking and rinsing before it is gentle enough for the green bananas.

Method

  1. Boil Green Banana in Water with Salt for 18 to 20 minutes, until tender.

    18–20 min

  2. Drain, cool slightly, peel, and cut the Green Banana into thick pieces.

  3. Heat Cooking Oil in a pan and cook Onion, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, and Scotch Bonnet Pepper for 3 minutes.

    3 min

  4. Add Tomato and Thyme, then cook for 3 minutes until the tomato softens.

    3 min

  5. Add Salt Cod and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring gently.

    5–6 min

  6. Add Lemon Juice, then fold in the boiled Green Banana pieces.

  7. Cook together for 2 minutes so the green bananas absorb the saltfish flavor.

    2 min

How to tell it's done

The green bananas should be tender but not mushy, and the saltfish should be moist and flaky.

Getting it right

Tip

Do not skip rinsing the salt cod; controlled saltiness is what keeps the dish balanced.

What to serve it with

Serve as a hearty breakfast or lunch with cucumber slices or avocado.

Common mistakes

The saltfish makes the whole dish too salty.
Rinse well, taste a small flake, and soak briefly if it is still harsh. Add final salt only after the fish is mixed with the bananas.

Substitutions

  • Green Banana — Use Raw Banana only if Green Banana is unavailable; the texture will be close but not identical.
  • Salt Cod — Use another firm salted fish only when Salt Cod is unavailable.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate green fig and saltfish for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water; freezing is not recommended because the bananas turn grainy.