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String Beans With Potato And Salted Cod
I’ve always been a fan of string beans, as my parents always had them growing in our kitchen garden as a child in Trinidad. But my appreciation for this humble legume really deepened after I moved from the comforting shores of the Caribbean to Canada. In those early days, bodi, also known as bora or yard beans, were almost impossible to find, so I learned to work with what was available. Over time, string beans became a regular part of my kitchen, whether cooked in curry with aloo, paired with tomato and saltfish, or stretched with leftover stewed meats to create something satisfying and economical.
This String Beans With Potato And Salted Cod recipe is built on that same idea of simple Caribbean cooking that feeds more people without sacrificing flavor. Thinly sliced potato adds body to the dish, while salted cod brings depth and that unmistakable savory note many of us grew up with. A little coconut cream rounds everything out, turning everyday ingredients into a comforting pot of food.
This is not fancy cooking. It’s honest, practical, and rooted in how many of us learned to cook at home. Serve it hot with sada roti or rice, and you’ll understand why string beans continue to hold such a special place in my kitchen.
Ingredient Guide
String Beans add freshness, texture, and a clean vegetal flavor that forms the foundation of the dish.
Salted Cod provides savory depth and protein, seasoning the entire pot as it cooks.
Potato stretches the dish, add body, and help make the meal more filling.
Onion builds the base flavor and adds natural sweetness as it cooks down.
Garlic enhances aroma and brings a classic savory backbone to the dish.
Scotch Bonnet Pepper contributes gentle heat and authentic Caribbean character.
Ginger adds warmth and a subtle spicy note that complements the salted fish.
Tomato introduces acidity and moisture to balance the richness of the cod and coconut.
Coconut Cream softens the flavors and gives the dish a light, creamy finish.
Black Pepper adds mild heat and background seasoning.
Salt is used sparingly to balance flavors after the cod has been prepared.
Olive Oil helps sauté the aromatics and carries flavor throughout the dish.
Water creates steam and allows the vegetables to cook evenly.
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.
Photo by Chris De La RosaAdd the onion, garlic, Scotch bonnet pepper (habanero will also work), ginger, and black pepper. Cook on low for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Photo by Chris De La RosaAdd the string beans and stir well to coat with the seasoned base.
Photo by Chris De La RosaIncrease the heat to medium and add the potato and tomato. Stir well.
Photo by Chris De La Rosa Photo by Chris De La RosaAdd the coconut cream, salt, and water. Cover the pan and bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
Photo by Chris De La RosaCook with the lid on for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how tender you like your string beans.
Photo by Chris De La RosaRemove the lid to allow any remaining liquid to cook off. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot with sada roti.
Source: caribbeanpot.com
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