Ducana & Saltfish (Sweet Potato Coconut Parcels with Flaked Cod) – Authentic Antigua and Barbuda Recipe
Classic Antiguan pairing of sweet-savory grated sweet potato ducana with sautéed spiced cod.
- Country of Origin
- 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean, Americas)
- Dietary Profile
- pescatarian
- Prep Time
- 25 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Signature Staples
- Flaked salted cod (or white fish), Grated sweet potato and coconut dumplings, Bell peppers, Thyme, Scallions
Ingredients for Ducana & Saltfish (Sweet Potato Coconut Parcels with Flaked Cod) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) flaked salted cod (or white fish), prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups grated sweet potato and coconut dumplings, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup bell peppers
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with thyme
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Antigua and Barbuda seasoning (scallions, tomato-onion sofrito, nutmeg)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Finely chop or mash flaked salted cod (or white fish) and mix in a bowl with thyme, scallions, tomato-onion sofrito, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to form a savory filling.
- Portion or fold the seasoned mixture with grated sweet potato and coconut dumplings into neat traditional parcels, dumplings, or patties.
- Heat a heavy skillet with oil over medium heat or bring a steamer/broth pot to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the parcels for 12–15 minutes until tender and cooked through (crisping the bottoms in the skillet if desired).
- Spoon bell peppers generously over the top and serve warm.