Jamaican Rundown Recipe Creamy Coconut Saltfish Dish
Jamaican Rundown
Today on the Takrecipe website, we’re diving into the bold and comforting flavors of Jamaican Rundown—a traditional dish where salted cod is slowly cooked in a thick coconut milk sauce infused with aromatic spices. This hearty meal is a true Caribbean favorite, offering a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy notes. Whether served with green bananas, dumplings, or yam, this dish is a must-try for lovers of island cuisine!
Ingredients:
- For the Rundown:
- 1 lb salted cod (boneless)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust for spice level)
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- ½ bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 2 stalks scallion (green onion), chopped
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- ½ tsp all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- For Serving (Optional):
- Boiled green bananas
- Boiled dumplings
- Boiled yam or cassava
Prepare the Saltfish
Rinse the salted cod under cold water to remove excess salt. Place it in a pot of fresh water, bring to a boil, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Drain and repeat the boiling process if necessary to remove more salt. Once cooled, flake the fish into bite-sized pieces, removing any bones. Set aside.
Cook the Coconut Sauce (Rundown)
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced onions, minced garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, julienned carrots, and bell peppers, stirring well. Pour in the coconut milk and add the thyme, black pepper, turmeric, and all-purpose seasoning. Let the coconut milk reduce and thicken slightly over 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Saltfish
Add the flaked saltfish to the coconut mixture and stir gently to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy
🟢Remove the thyme sprig and serve hot. Enjoy with boiled green bananas, dumplings, or yam for an authentic Jamaican meal!
Cooking Tips:
Balance the Salt:
🟢If the cod is still too salty after boiling, soak it in fresh water for an hour before flaking.
Coconut Milk Consistency:
🟢Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy texture. Simmer uncovered for a thicker sauce.
Control the Spice:
🟢Scotch bonnet peppers are very spicy! Use only half or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.