Salt Mackerel Rundown

Experience a taste of Jamaica with this updated version of Salt Mackerel Rundown. A beloved traditional dish, it brings together the rich flavors of salted mackerel and creamy coconut milk, enhanced with vibrant herbs and spices. Accompanied by comforting boiled dumplings, green bananas, and sweet potatoes, this hearty meal is perfect for breakfast or dinner.

Ingredients

🐟 3-4 whole salt mackerel soaked overnight
🥫 1 can coconut milk approximately 13.5 fl oz / 400ml
🌿 2-3 stalks scallion green onion, chopped
🌱 A few sprigs thyme
🧄 4-5 cloves garlic, sliced
🧅 2 small onions, sliced
🍅 2 medium roma tomatoes, chopped approximately 1.5 used
🌶️ McCormick Black Pepper, to taste
🧴 Cal’s White Vinegar, a splash
🌿 Ideal Spices Pimento Seeds allspice, a few pods
🛢️ Vegetable oil, for sautéing
🌾 PAJ Bulk Counter Flour, approximately 1.5-2 cups for dumplings
🌽 Grace Golden Corn Meal, approximately 1/2 cup for dumplings
🧂 Salt, to taste for dumplings
💧 Water, for boiling and dough
🍌 5-6 green bananas, peeled
🍠 1 medium sweet potato, peeled

Instructions

1- Prepare Salt Mackerel:

• Soak the mackerel overnight to reduce saltiness.
• In the morning, boil for about 5 minutes to pre-cook and desalinate further. Drain and let cool.

2- Vegetable Preparation:

• While mackerel boils, wash and chop the scallion, thyme, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.

3- Dumpling Dough:

• Combine flour and cornmeal with salt in a bowl.
• Gradually add water, mixing with a wooden spoon, then by hand, to form a smooth dough.

4- Prepare Ground Provisions:

• Peel bananas and sweet potato, keeping them submerged in water to prevent discoloration.

5- Pick and Check Mackerel:

• Remove bones, skin, and head from mackerel.
• Break into smaller pieces and taste for saltiness, rinsing further if necessary.

6- Sauté Aromatics:

• Heat oil in a large pot.
• Sauté scallion, thyme, garlic, pimento seeds, and onions until fragrant, adding a splash of vinegar.

7- Cook Rundown Base:

• Add tomatoes to aromatics and stir.
• Pour in coconut milk, bringing to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes.

8- Combine Mackerel:

• Add mackerel to the sauce, seasoning with black pepper to taste.
• Simmer for additional minutes to meld flavors.

9- Cook Dumplings and Provisions:

• In a saucepan, boil water with salt.
• Shape and add dumplings alongside bananas and sweet potato. Cook until tender 20-30 minutes.

10- Serve:
- Drain cooked items, then serve on a plate.
- Spoon mackerel rundown generously over provisions.

Prep Time: Overnight soaking plus 10-15 minutes chopping
Cook Time:
Mackerel Boiling: 5 minutes
Rundown: 15-20 minutes
Dumplings/Ground Provisions: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-45 minutes active, plus overnight soaking
Servings: 4-6
Equipment:
Cuisinart Green Chef's Knife
GE Appliances Gas Stove
Aluminum pot, blue medium saucepan with lid
Stainless steel mixing bowl
Wooden spoon, chopping board
Measuring cup
Plates, silicone pot holders

Cooking Tips

• Desalting Mackerel: Ensure optimal taste balance by soaking and boiling the mackerel sufficiently.
• Dumpling Texture: Cornmeal adds a desirable texture. Shape dumplings to personal preference.
• Green Bananas: Choose lighter-skinned bananas for softer results.

#jamaicanfood #caribbeanrecipes #saltmackerel #comfortfood #traditionalcuisine

Val's Kitchen Jamaican Style: https://www.youtube.com/@valskitchenjamaicanstyle973

#valskitchenjamaicanstyle973

Salt Mackerel Rundown