Saltfish and Dumplings from Saint Kitts and Nevis
Salt cod stewed with tomato, pepper and onion, served with boiled coconut dumplings. Makes about 4 servings; active times are estimates.
This dish pairs flaked salt cod stewed with vegetables with firm, boiled coconut dumplings. Soaking the fish overnight helps rehydrate it; the soaking time is listed separately from preparation and cooking. The 4 servings and active times are estimates for these quantities.
Ingredient allergens
Allergen listThere are no verified associations for these ingredients yet.
Method
- 01
Soak the salt cod
Rinse the salt cod and soak it overnight in the refrigerator. Drain it before cooking.
Ready to continue when: The cod is rehydrated and drained before cooking.
- 02
Cook and flake the salt cod
Boil the cod in fresh water until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain it, remove any bones and skin, and flake it.
Ready to continue when: The cod flakes easily when pierced and is flaked with no bones remaining.
- 03
Soften the vegetables
Heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet. Add the green pepper, scallions, onion and garlic. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Ready to continue when: The vegetables are softened and fragrant, but not browned or burnt.
5 min - 04
Stew the salt cod
Add the tomatoes and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Stir in the flaked cod, 2 tablespoons of margarine and the parsley. Cover and cook over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
Ready to continue when: The tomato is incorporated with the fish, and the stew is hot and moist.
8 min - 05
Make the coconut dough
In a bowl, mix the flour, shredded coconut and salt. Work in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of margarine. Add the water gradually to form a firm dough.
Ready to continue when: The dough is firm, cohesive and manageable, with no loose water in the bowl.
- 06
Shape the dumplings
Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and knead for 2 minutes. Divide it into portions and shape as desired.
Ready to continue when: The dumplings hold their shape and are a similar size.
2 min - 07
Boil the dumplings
Place the dumplings in a pot of boiling water. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, until cooked through. Drain them.
Ready to continue when: The dumplings are firm and cooked through, with no raw dough in the center.
15 min - 08
Serve
Divide the stewed salt cod and dumplings among the plates and serve hot.
Ready to continue when: Each serving includes stewed salt cod and hot dumplings.
Ingredients
Sources and review
Content researched, cross-checked and automatically validated. Sources consulted:
- Nutrición www.aesan.gob.es/nutricion
- International Cooking: Food from Saint Kitts and Nevis - The Flavor Vortex www.theflavorvortex.com/international-cooking-food-from-saint-kitts-and-nevis/
- What Food Is St Kitts Known For? Local Dishes, Seafood & Cuisine Guide (2026) stkittsandnevis.org/knowledge/food-culture/what-food-is-st-kitts-known-for
- - YouTube www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS1oROAn8fw
- Recipe: National Dish (St. Kitts and Nevis) www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/posts/recipe-national-dish-st-kitts-nevis
- Top 10 Things To Eat in St. Kitts www.royalcaribbean.com/inspire/what-to-eat-in-st-kitts
- Cocina de San Cristóbal y Nieves: El Sabor del Caribe en Dos Islas | Remitly www.remitly.com/blog/es/comida/cocina-de-san-cristobal-y-nieves/
- Comida Imprescindible en San Cristóbal y Nieves: Un Viaje Culinario por los Sabores de la Isla | San Cristóbal y Nieves | Mustseespots.com www.mustseespots.com/es/san-cristobal-y-nieves/articles/comida-imprescindible-en-san-cristob…
- San Cristóbal y Nieves: 3 platos tradicionales www.menuella.com/es/food-wiki/saint-kitts-nevis
- Cultura de San Cristóbal y Nieves - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultura_de_San_Crist%C3%B3bal_y_Nieves
- Oh, hey akastage-www.foodsafety.gov/sites/default/files/documents/usda-wedding-food-safety.pdf
- St. Kitts and Nevis: Goat Water Stew Recipe | Samsung Food App app.samsungfood.com/recipes/10737df359c44754d7691be1f2e1788a80d
- Saint Kitts and Nevis Cuisine - Ethnic Foods R Us ethnicfoodsrus.com/around-the-world-recipes/smallest-countries-worldwide-cuisines/saint-kitt…
State: Published after documentary validation; no “Tested” label is shown.