Indulge your taste buds in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with the Barbados Fish Cutter, a mouthwatering delight that captures the essence of sun-soaked beaches and tropical breezes. This classic Bajan street food is a culinary masterpiece, combining the freshest catch of the day with a medley of local spices and ingredients. Whether you're yearning for a taste of the islands or looking to impress your friends with a unique culinary creation, the Barbados Fish Cutter is the perfect recipe to transport your senses to the sandy shores of Barbados. Join us on a culinary journey as we unravel the secrets behind this iconic dish that brings together the rich culinary heritage and the irresistible charm of the Caribbean. Get ready to savor the flavors of paradise with our step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect Barbados Fish Cutter.

Ingredients:

For the Fried Fish:

-1 lb fresh fish fillets (snapper, mahi-mahi, or similar)

-1 cup all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking powder

-1 teaspoon garlic powder

-1 teaspoon onion powder

-1/2 teaspoon paprika

-Salt and pepper to taste

-Vegetable oil for frying

For the Salt Bread Rolls:

-4 cups all-purpose flour

-2 tablespoons sugar

-1 teaspoon salt

-1 tablespoon active dry yeast

-1 cup warm water

-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Assembly:

-Fresh lettuce leaves

-Sliced tomatoes

-Sliced onions

-Pickles

-Hot pepper sauce (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Salt Bread Rolls:

1- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and melted butter.

3- Mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

5- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball and place them on a baking sheet.

6- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown. Allow them to cool.

Prepare the Fried Fish:

1- In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2- Dredge each fish fillet in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

3- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Fry the fish fillets until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

4- Place the fried fish on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Assemble the Barbados Fish Cutter:

1- Slice the salt bread rolls in half.

2- Layer each roll with fresh lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, and onions.

3- Place a fried fish fillet on top of the vegetables.

4- Add pickles and a drizzle of hot pepper sauce if desired.

5- Top with the other half of the salt bread roll to complete the sandwich.

Serve and Enjoy:

1- Serve your Barbados Fish Cutter immediately while the bread is still warm and the fish is crispy. Enjoy the fusion of flavors that encapsulates the spirit of Barbados in every bite.

Nutritional Values:

It's challenging to provide exact nutritional values without specific brands or quantities, but I can give you a general idea based on common nutritional information.

(Per Serving, assuming 4 servings)

For the Fried Fish:

Fresh Fish Fillets (Snapper, Mahi-Mahi, or Similar)

  - Calories: 150

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 25g

  - Fat: 6g

  - Sodium: 60mg

  - Cholesterol: 60mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, phosphorus, and selenium

Benefit: High-quality protein source, rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health, and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

All-Purpose Flour

  - Calories: 455

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Protein: 13g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin)

  - Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and zinc

 Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates, some protein, and a variety of minerals important for metabolism.

Baking Powder

  - Calories: 2

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 488mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: A leavening agent that helps the batter rise during frying.

Garlic Powder

  - Calories: 9

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

  - Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and phosphorus

Benefit: Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and some essential nutrients.

Onion Powder

  - Calories: 8

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 3mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus

Benefit: Adds flavor and provides some vitamins and minerals.

Paprika

  - Calories: 6

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains iron, potassium, and manganese

Benefit: Adds color and flavor, and contains antioxidants and vitamins.

Salt and Pepper

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies based on amount used

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Adds flavor, but excessive sodium intake should be monitored for those with dietary restrictions.

Vegetable Oil for Frying

  - Calories: 480

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 54g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Provides energy from fat for cooking, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

For the Salt Bread Rolls:

All-Purpose Flour (4 cups)

  - Calories: 920

  - Carbohydrates: 192g

  - Protein: 32g

  - Fat: 4g

  - Sodium: 160mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin)

  - Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and zinc

Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates, moderate protein content, and some essential minerals.

Sugar (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 96

  - Carbohydrates: 25g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Adds sweetness and energy from carbohydrates.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2325mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: Contains sodium

Benefit: Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation due to high sodium content.

Active Dry Yeast (1 tablespoon)

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 3mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Acts as a leavening agent for the dough.

Warm Water (1 cup)

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Used to hydrate the dough and activate the yeast.

Unsalted Butter, Melted (2 tablespoons)

  - Calories: 204

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 24g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 60mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Adds richness and flavor to the dough, and a source of vitamin A.

For Assembly:

Fresh Lettuce Leaves

  - Calories: 5

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium, potassium, and iron

Benefit: Low in calories, provides vitamins and minerals, and adds freshness and crunch to the dish.

Sliced Tomatoes

  - Calories: 15

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 5mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and magnesium

Benefit: Low in calories, high in vitamin C, and adds juiciness and flavor to the dish.

Sliced Onions

  - Calories: 12

  - Carbohydrates: 3g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 2mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and vitamin B6

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and phosphorus

Benefit: Adds flavor and a mild crunch, and provides some vitamins and minerals.

Pickles

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 260mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K

  - Minerals: Contains sodium and potassium

Benefit: Adds tanginess and crunch, but should be consumed in moderation due to sodium content.

Hot Pepper Sauce (Optional)

  - Calories: 0-5 (depends on the amount used)

  - Carbohydrates: 0-1g (depends on the amount used)

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 100-200mg (depends on the brand and amount used)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Minerals: No significant minerals

Benefit: Adds heat and flavor, but sodium content varies based on brand and quantity used.