Barbados Fish Cakes are a popular street food in Barbados and are loved by locals and tourists alike. These delicious cakes are made with salted codfish, flour, onion, scallions, thyme, pepper, and hot sauce, and then deep-fried to golden perfection. They are often served with a side of hot pepper sauce or a refreshing drink like coconut water.

Barbados Fish Cakes are a true culinary delight that reflects the cultural heritage of Barbados. The use of salted codfish in this recipe is a nod to the country's history as a British colony and its ties to the African slave trade. The mixture of flour, onion, scallions, thyme, pepper, and hot sauce creates a savory and spicy flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.

The process of making Barbados Fish Cakes can be time-consuming due to the soaking and boiling of the salted codfish, but the end result is well worth the effort. The cakes are shaped by hand, giving them a rustic and homemade appearance that is part of their charm. When fried to a golden brown, the outer layer of the cakes becomes crispy while the inside remains soft and fluffy.

Barbados Fish Cakes are often served as a street food or appetizer, and they pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing tropical drink. They are also a popular party food and can be easily made in bulk for large gatherings. Some people like to add variations to the recipe by adding ingredients like grated carrots, sweet potatoes, or coconut milk to the batter.

In addition to being delicious, Barbados Fish Cakes are also nutritious. They are a good source of protein and dietary fiber, making them a satisfying snack that can help you feel full for longer. With their rich flavor and cultural significance, Barbados Fish Cakes are a must-try dish for anyone visiting or interested in the cuisine of Barbados.

Here's a step-by-step recipe to make Barbados Fish Cakes:

Ingredients:

1- 1 pound boneless, skinless salted codfish

2- 1 cup all-purpose flour

3- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

4- 1/4 teaspoon salt

5- 1/2 onion, finely chopped

6- 3 scallions, finely chopped

7- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

8- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

9- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

10- Oil for frying

Method:

1- Soak the salted codfish in cold water for 12 hours or overnight, changing the water every 4 hours to remove the excess salt.

2- Once the codfish has soaked, rinse it well and boil it in a pot of water for 20 minutes or until it is fully cooked.

3- Drain the water from the cooked codfish and let it cool.

4- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

5- Add the chopped onion, scallions, thyme, black pepper, and hot sauce to the bowl and mix well.

6- Flake the cooked codfish and add it to the mixing bowl, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.

7- Gradually add water to the mixture until you get a thick batter consistency that can hold its shape.

8- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer.

9- Using a spoon, scoop up a small amount of the mixture and drop it into the hot oil.

10- Fry the fish cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

11- Remove the fish cakes from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil.

12- Serve the fish cakes hot with a side of hot pepper sauce or a refreshing drink like coconut water.

Notes:

1- Be sure to rinse the salted codfish well before boiling to remove the excess salt.

2- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce used in the recipe to your taste preference.

3- If you don't have a deep fryer, you can use a deep frying pan instead.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving:

Boneless, skinless salted codfish (1 pound):

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 87g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 7000mg (due to salting, actual intake may vary)

benefits:

• Excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function.
• Contains minerals like phosphorus, which is important for bone health, and selenium, which acts as an antioxidant.

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 2mg

benefits:

• Contains carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Fortified with iron and B vitamins like folate, which are important for overall health.

Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 500mg

benefits:

• Used as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise.
• Does not provide significant nutritional benefits.

Salt (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 590mg

benefits:

• Essential for maintaining electrolyte balance in the body.
• Provides flavor to dishes but should be consumed in moderation.

Onion, finely chopped (1/2 onion):

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Rich in vitamins C and B6, which are important for immune function and metabolism.
• Contains fiber, which promotes digestive health.

Scallions, finely chopped (3 scallions):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 4mg

benefits:

• Low in calories but high in antioxidants like flavonoids, which may have anti-cancer effects.
• Contains vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting.
• Adds flavor to dishes without adding many calories.

Fresh thyme, finely chopped (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
• May have antimicrobial properties.
• Adds flavor to dishes and can be a good alternative to salt for seasoning.

Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.7g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that may help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation.
• May improve digestion by increasing the production of digestive enzymes.
• Adds flavor to dishes without adding extra calories.

Hot sauce (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 50mg

benefits:

• May boost metabolism and help with weight loss due to its capsaicin content.
• Contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
• Can add flavor to dishes without adding extra calories or fat.

Oil for frying (amount varies):

• Calories: 120 per tablespoon
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Provides fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin E.
• Contains healthy fats that are important for brain function and hormone production.
• Should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the specific brands used and the method of preparation.

Barbados Fish Cakes are a delicious and flavorful snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They are also a good source of protein and dietary fiber.