Caribbean Fried Bakes + Saltfish – Foodie Not a Chef (2024)

Fried bakes

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup of sugar + 1 tsp
• 1 ¼ tablespoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon yeast
• 2 tablespoons butter (Room Temperature)
• 1.5 cups water
• 2 cups of oil

Salt Fish

• 1 lb salted codfish
• 1/3 of each pepper: red, green, yellow
• 3 stems of scallions, finely chopped
• ½ of a onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic, finely chopped
• 1 small tomato
• 1/2 tsp of freshly chopped cilantro
• 1 wiri wiri pepper or hot pepper of choice
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Chicken bouillon to taste
• Creole seasoning to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Fried Bakes

1. Proof the yeast: Add 1/3 cup of lukewarm water + 1 tbsp sugar + yeast. Allow to sit for 5 mins until a foam is formed.
2. In a bowl, add flour and butter. Incorporate well by using your fingertips.
3. Add salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking powder and sugar. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
4. Add yeast and water then mix to form a dough ball.
5. Knead mixture for about 5 mins into a smooth ball.
6. Using your hand or knife section dough into 14 equal parts or your desired number. Then form each part into a ball.
7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, sprinkle a bit of flour then lay the dough balls. Cover with a dish towel or clear wrap.
8. Preheat oven to lowest temp (170 degrees) for 2 minutes. After allowing some air to escape, place tray into oven for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.
9. Flour surface and use the palm of your hand to pat all dough ball down into a thin circle (about 1/4 inch thick) then cover with a kitchen towel.
10. Heat up your oil on high heat. Place the bake into the oil then reduce the heat to medium-high.
11. Take a large spoon and baste the top of the bake with oil for 15 seconds. Flip then baste the new side for 15 seconds. Then allow bakes to cook for 1-2 minutes. Flip again and cook on opposite side for 1-2 minutes.
12. Remove the bakes from the oil and place into a small foil pan or bowl lined with parchment paper or paper towel to drain any excess oil.
13. Repeat the process for the remaining dough.

Salt-Fish

1. Add 1/3 cup of oil to a skillet. Add garlic, onion, saltfish, and lemon juice then sauté for 3 mins.
2. Add bell peppers, hot pepper, cilantro, tomatoes and scallions.
3. Add chicken Bouillon, black pepper and creole seasoning to taste.
4. Fry the saltfish for 5 minutes then remove from heat.
5. Serve with fried bakes and enjoy!

Bakes

1. After mixing your ingredients, your dough should be a bit sticky. After you place it onto a floured surface and knead it, it will all come together.
2. Place a bit of flour onto the parchment paper before laying dough balls. It prevents the dough from sticking.
3. Be sure to allow the bake to sit and cook in oil for 1-2 minutes.
4. After you preheat the oven to 170 degrees for 1 minutes open the oven door and allow some of the heat to escape for a few seconds. If you place your hand inside, it should be a bit warm NOT HOT! The whole idea is not cooking the dough but to allow it to double in size quicker. After removing the dough, it should look a bit puffy.

Saltfish

1. Boil the salt-fish to eliminate the saltiness as you will be using seasoning during the frying process.
2. After boiling, wash the salt-fish in water multiple times to get rid of any excess salt (you can taste the fish for saltiness) then drain in a strainer.
3. Cilantro is not traditionally added to salt-fish but OMG it gives it such a fresh taste.
4. You can use any seasoning of your choice to flavor your saltfish.
5. If you don’t have access to saltfish. A great alternative is sardine.