5 Traditional Jamaican Breakfast Recipes

Ackee and Saltfish

It is often said that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” and in Jamaica, breakfast is definitely a meal that matters.  With a lot of variations, and regional ingredients that are sure to please, you might be tempted to have some of the following Jamaican breakfast options at any hour of the day:

1. Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and saltfish is actually the national dish of Jamaican. It is a very common and well-loved Jamaican breakfast, though it does take some time to prepare its ingredients.  While several items such as sautéed tomatoes and onions go into the making of this colorful scramble, at the heart of this breakfast are both the ripe pods of the ackee fruit and deboned, salted codfish. 

Outside of the island ackee is usually found canned. It is described as having a slightly nutty, delicate, and sweet flavor.  In contrast, saltfish (which is typically dried salted cod, bacalao or pollock) contributes a satiating element of protein to the overall dish. The contrast of firm saltiness and rich creaminess is what gives this dish it’s irresistible flavor. Click here to get the Ackee and Saltfish recipe.

2. Green Banana Porridge

Green Banana Porridge is made with unripe, firm bananas which are not very sweet. However when simmered together with spices and decadent condensed milk, the resulting porridge is a deliciously warm, creamy, flavorful, and very satisfying morning meal. Get the recipe for Green Banana Porridge.

Green Banana Porridge