Looking for a flavourful twist on a classic comfort dish? Our Jerked-Up Mac & Cheese with Saltfish recipe combines the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the spicy, savoury taste of jerk seasoning and saltfish. This dish is ideal for anyone craving a Caribbean-inspired meal that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavours.
Ingredients:
- 225g elbow macaroni (you can use a box, as shown in the video)
- 225g saltfish (codfish), soaked and deboned
- 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning (adjust to your taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 500ml full cream or milk
- 225g shredded cheddar cheese
- 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- 25g chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion and 1 pepper, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook the Macaroni
To start, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain it well and set it aside for later.
Prepare the Saltfish
While the macaroni cooks, shred the soaked and deboned saltfish into small pieces. Set it aside for the next step.
Sauté the Vegetables
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Stir-fry the chopped onion and pepper for about 3 minutes. After that, add the jerk seasoning and saltfish to the skillet. Cook for around 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together. Once done, remove the saltfish from the skillet and set it aside again.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the cream and reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for extra flavour.
Combine the Macaroni and Saltfish
Now that the sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni and jerked saltfish back into the skillet. Stir everything together well, ensuring that all the pasta and saltfish are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Prepare for Baking
At this point, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish. Afterward, pour any remaining cheese sauce over the top and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly.
Bake the Dish
Now, place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and delicious.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, remove the Jerked-Up Mac & Cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to enhance the vibrant flavours, and enjoy your dish!
A Few Tips:
When preparing the saltfish, soaking and deboning are crucial steps. First, be sure to soak the saltfish overnight, and along the way, remember to change the water a few times to remove excess salt. After soaking, boil the saltfish for about 10-15 minutes. Once this is done, rinse the fish thoroughly, and then proceed to debone it carefully. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your saltfish is perfectly prepared for the dish.
Enjoy your spicy, cheesy Jerked-Up Mac & Cheese with Saltfish—a dish that brings the bold flavours of the Caribbean straight to your table!
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