The Best Ducana and Salt Fish Recipe

The Ducana and Salt fish recipe is taught at very cooking class in Antigua.  Learning it is a right of passage for every child. Antiguan Ducana and salt fish represent a rich part of Caribbean cuisine that I have come to love.

If you’re craving a taste of the Caribbean, Antiguan Ducana and Salt Fish is a perfect dish to try. This recipe combines sweet, spiced sweet potato dumplings with savory, seasoned salt fish. It’s a unique meal that reflects Antigua’s rich food culture.

You’ll love how the sweet flavors of the ducana balance with the salty, tender fish. It’s comforting and exciting, perfect for breakfast or any time you want something special. Get ready to bring a little island magic to your kitchen!

Visiting Antigua

When you visit Antigua, you step into a vibrant world full of sun, sea, and rich culture. This island is famous for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and warm, friendly people.

You can explore the island’s history by visiting places like Nelson’s Dockyard. It’s a lively marina with shops, restaurants, and a museum about Antigua’s past. You’ll get a real feel for the island’s heritage here.

If you love nature, don’t miss the lush rainforests and beautiful hiking trails. You can also enjoy water activities like snorkeling, sailing, or simply relaxing on one of the 365 beaches—one for every day of the year!

Be sure to try dishes like ducana and saltfish, which bring the flavors of Antigua right to your plate. Markets and street vendors offer authentic meals that reflect the island’s Caribbean culture.

Here’s a quick list of things you should try while in Antigua:

• Visiting historic sites in St. John’s, the capital
• Enjoying beach days at Dickenson Bay or Half Moon Bay
• Sampling local dishes, including Antiguan ducana and saltfish
• Taking part in island festivals and music events

Your trip to Antigua will be full of warm weather, delicious food, and unforgettable views. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy the best of Caribbean life!

Ducana And Salt Fish Recipe

This dish pairs sweet, spiced sweet potato dumplings with savory salted fish. You’ll learn how to balance flavors, make ingredient swaps, and get tips to cook this Caribbean classic right at home.

Ducana And Salt Fish Recipe Description

Antiguan Ducana is a sweet potato dumpling made from grated sweet potatoes, flour, sugar, coconut flakes, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. It has a rich, sweet taste with warm spices and a chewy texture. The dumplings are usually wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until soft and tender.

Salt fish, often made with salted mackerel or cod, is washed and cooked with onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers. It is savory, salty, and packed with bold flavors. When served together, the sweet ducana balances the salty, spiced salt fish.

Ducana And Salt Fish Recipe Cooking Tips

Start by soaking salted mackerel or cod in water to remove excess salt. Soak for a few hours or overnight, changing the water a couple of times. When cooking the salt fish, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers in vegetable oil for extra flavor.

For the ducana, mix grated sweet potatoes with flour, sugar, coconut flakes, raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Wrap the mixture tightly in banana leaves or foil to hold moisture while steaming. Steam for about 45-60 minutes until firm but soft inside.

Use medium heat when steaming to avoid overcooking or drying out the dumplings. Serve the ducana warm with the salt fish. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the fish can brighten flavors and balance saltiness.

Ducana And Salt Fish Recipe Nutritional Benefits

Ducana provides dietary fiber and vitamins from sweet potatoes and coconut flakes. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A and potassium, which support vision and heart health. Raisins add small amounts of iron and antioxidants.

Salt fish is rich in protein and minerals like calcium and iodine. Using mackerel or cod gives you omega-3 fatty acids, good for brain and heart function. Keep in mind the fish is high in sodium, so soak it properly to reduce salt content.

Ducana And Salt Fish Recipe Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have banana leaves, wrap the ducana dough tightly in aluminum foil or parchment paper. For coconut flakes, use sweetened or unsweetened based on your sweetness preference.

Instead of salted mackerel or cod, use any firm white fish and salt it with sea salt. You can also use fresh fish seasoned with salt and vinegar. Soak the fish lightly to avoid too much saltiness.

If you don’t have raisins, try dried currants or chopped dates in the ducana. Olive oil or vegetable oil can replace butter or shortening in the dough. Adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to your taste.

Antiguan Ducana and Salt Fish Recipe: A Traditional Caribbean Delight

3.75 from 4 votes

This classic Antiguan dish pairs ducana, a sweet potato dumpling made with coconut, sugar, and spices, with salted codfish.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Soak Ovenight 1 day d

Servings: 4 Servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Antiguan

Calories: 1273

Ingredients Instructions Nutrition

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Ducana

• 2 cups coconut sweetened flakes
• 2 cups sweet potatoes grated
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg ground
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup raisins my favorite part
• 1 1/2 cups flour

Salt Fish

• 1 lb cod pack of salted cod fish about a pound
• 1 medium onion
• 1 1/2 bell pepper green, red and yellow pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• ½ cup vegetable oil canola oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 packs Sazón seasoning

Instructions

Soak the Salt Fish

1. We soak the salt fish overnight in cold water. This helps remove excess salt.

Boil the Salt Fish

1. After soaking, we boil the fish in fresh water for about 45 minutes. This step makes the fish tender.

Prepare the Ducana

1. In a bowl, we mix the grated sweet potato, grated coconut, flour, and any spices we like.

Shape the Ducana

1. Once combined, we shape the mixture into blocks or wraps. This can be done using banana leaves or foil.

Steam the Ducana

1. We place the shaped ducana in a steamer. It should steam for about 30-40 minutes until firm.

Serve Together

1. Finally, we plate the boiled salt fish alongside the steamed ducana.

Nutrition Facts

Antiguan Ducana and Salt Fish Recipe: A Traditional Caribbean Delight

Amount per Serving

Calories

1273

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

46

g

71

%

Saturated Fat

 

18

g

113

%

Trans Fat

 

0.3

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

17

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

8

g

Cholesterol

 

56

mg

19

%

Sodium

 

462

mg

20

%

Potassium

 

1506

mg

43

%

Carbohydrates

 

193

g

64

%

Fiber

 

12

g

50

%

Sugar

 

111

g

123

%

Protein

 

30

g

60

%

Vitamin A

 

11213

IU

224

%

Vitamin C

 

70

mg

85

%

Calcium

 

92

mg

9

%

Iron

 

6

mg

33

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.