This week's Theme: Effective Witness
Day 1: Preserve and Enhance
“Oh no! I’ve killed the saltfish!” I made a face as I tasted the savory mix of cod, peppers and onions we call buljow (buljol in some islands).
Each island has its own variation of the dish, but for most, it starts with dried, salted cod (bacalao in the Spanish speaking islands) that is reconstituted and then combined with vegetables, spices, herbs, and seasonings.
Salted cod, colloquially known as “saltfish” and often pronounced “sahlfish” in local dialects, is an important ingredient in traditional Caribbean cooking. The adaptable staple was likely popularized in the Eastern Caribbean by Portuguese immigrants and indentured laborers, who, for economic, political, and religious reasons arrived during the nineteenth century.
Saltfish and the Caribbean quickly became a perfect match—the salt-cured fillets were well preserved against spoilage in the tropical heat and were easily adapted into the rich fusion of African, European, and Asian dishes.
To use dried, salted cod in recipes, much of the salt must be removed, and most cooks have their own way of doing this. Over the years I have developed my own preferred technique that results in the precise texture and flavor that I like. My goal is tender, meaty flakes of fish, with just enough salt to create a foundation for the other seasonings.
A perfect balance is required—if enough of the curing salt is not extracted, the dish is salty and unpleasant—if too much salt is extracted, the cod becomes flavorless and lifeless. It simply cannot be rescued, even by adding back new salt. At that point, as far as I am concerned, the saltfish is “killed” and the dish is ruined.
Trying to find the right level of saltiness for the cod I use in buljow and other recipes helps me understand with startling clarity the analogy Jesus uses to teach us the importance of our witness as His followers:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Matthew 5:13).
Salt! Stunningly simple, genius, notion. Staple. Preserver and Enhancer. Unless it loses its flavor. Then it is thrown out and trampled underfoot. Like “killed” saltfish.
Fortunately, it wasn’t the case that day—as I sampled a few other bits of the cod, I realized with relief that I had achieved the desired level of salt flavor.
I pray that the same would be true in my life and my witness!
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