Steamed vegetables on their own? Kinda meh. But toss in Jamaica’s beloved ackee and suddenly we’re talkin’ big flavor vibes. This dish blends soft, buttery ackee with crunchy cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, all kissed with a little coconut oil and herbs. It’s vegan, it’s nutritious, and it’s perfect whether you’re eating solo or alongside boiled dumplings, rice, or fried plantains.
How to Make Steamed Vegetables with Ackee
In true Caribbean fashion, this dish is all about layering flavors with simple ingredients. You’ll start by lightly sautéing aromatics in coconut oil—onions, garlic, scallions—then add a rainbow of chopped veggies. Cover and steam till just tender, then gently fold in that golden ackee at the end. Don’t over-stir or you’ll mash it up! You’re looking for a creamy-meets-crunchy balance that tastes like pure sunshine on a plate.
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Steamed Vegetables with Ackee
Ingredients
- 2 cups cabbage chopped
- 1 carrot medium, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper small , sliced (any color works!)
- 1 onion small, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 scallions chopped
- ½ Scotch bonnet pepper finely chopped (optional)
- 19 oz ackee drained and rinsed (or 2 cups fresh ackee)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 sprig thyme
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.2 tbsp coconut oil
- Add onion, garlic, scallion, thyme, and Scotch bonnet if using. Sauté for 2–3 mins until fragrant.1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 2 scallions, 1 sprig thyme, ½ Scotch bonnet pepper
Add Veggies
- Toss in the cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers.2 cups cabbage, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir well.½ tsp black pepper, salt to taste
- Cover and steam for 5–7 mins, stirring once or twice, until veggies are just tender but still vibrant.
Gently Add Ackee
- Carefully fold in the ackee. Stir gently to avoid breaking it apart too much.19 oz ackee
- Cover again and steam for another 2–3 mins to heat through.
Serve and Enjoy
- Remove thyme sprig.
- Serve warm with boiled dumplings, fried plantains, or on its own as a feel-good side.
