The first ackee tree in Jamaica was planted from a seed brought to the island by the captain of a slave ship in 1778. The fruit is not widely eaten but in Ghana the flowers are used to make a perfume and the seeds are used as a narcotic to catch fish. The seedling was taken to England by Captain Bligh and there the plant was given the botanical name, Blighia sapida. Its original name was ‘akye’ from Twi language of West Africa.

Our national dish is ackee and saltfish. If not cooked properly, it can be poisonous. When cooked, it looks almost like scrambled eggs. I would get a chuckle each time a guest at one of our hotels would ask is this egg. It is usually served with boiled green bananas, dumplings (either fried or boiled), yam or Irish potato.

So, on your next visit to Jamaica ask for this dish, you wont be disappointed or if you want to try something new for dinner this evening, see below.

INGREDIENTS : 1/2 lb. Saltfish (codfish) 1 dozen ackees or tin ackee 1 small onion 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 sprig thyme 1 crushed garlic or 2 teaspoons garlic powder 3 slices hot scotch bonnet pepper 1 small red sweet pepper cooking oil METHOD: Soak saltfish in water to remove some of the salt or boil in water for 5-7 minutes. Clean the ackee. Remove the seeds and all traces of interior red pit from the ackees. Wash ackees five times Cover and boil until moderately soft. Drain, cover, and put aside. Pick up (flake) the saltfish and remove all bones. Sauté thinly sliced onions and sweet pepper rings. Remove half of the fried onions and peppers Add saltfish and the ackees, and turn the fire/stove up slightly. Add black pepper Pour in to serving plate and garnish with remaining onions and pepper slices Serve with boil banana and/or fried dumplings. 'BON APPETIT'

Thank you very much.  I have had this meal many times, even for breakfast, it is, very good as well as much of the Jamaican, food.  One thing that I do not like but have eaten a whole one that was cooked, is, SCOTCH BONET, but it does have some healing effects but we don't want to talk about that here.

Thank you again

dr gene

http://www.asdcashgenerator.com/?ref=8377

 

 

aaah come on, Scotch Bonnett pepper is the best. Nah, I am kidding. My sister can eat that thing whole. I cannot, it is too hot. Even though I can take the hot pepper sauce. I have not found any sauce here to match it.

    Way to hot for me I do not like pepper at all.  But when I did eat that one it healed a problem that I had had for almost a year, the next morning I was great and a hero.  I bring it home with me everytime I go, not for me but for friends that like it.
Thank you again
dr gene