
Dominican Taro Root Timbale with Coconut Cod and Sweet Peppers
An original Dominican-inspired dish featuring soft layers of mashed taro root with cod simmered in a light coconut sauce with tomato, red onion, and sweet peppers. It is finished in the oven to set the timbale and served with lime and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
- 450 g salt cod (remojado 12 horas and escurrido)
- 900 g white taro root (pelada and en trozos)
- 400 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 180 g red onion (cut en cubitos)
- 120 g sweet peppers (without semillas and chopped)
- 200 g tomato (chopped en cubitos)
- 18 g garlic (chopped fino)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
- 30 g tomato paste
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 30 g butter
- 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 g dried oregano
- 1 g black pepper
- 4 g salt (ajustar with cuidado por the bacalao)
- 240 ml broth or water (for cocinar the guiso)
- 50 g crushed cassava flatbread (for the cobertura crujiente)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Place the soaked salt cod in a pot with fresh water, bring to a gentle boil, and cook for 10 minutes. Drain, remove any bones or skin if needed, and flake into medium pieces.
- 2
2. Meanwhile, cook the taro root in enough water until tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain well and mash with the butter, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the olive oil, half of the lime juice, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and a little black pepper until smooth but firm.
- 3
3. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the red onion, sweet peppers, and garlic for 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
- 4
4. Add the chopped tomato, tomato paste, dried oregano, and the remaining black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring, to deepen the flavor.
- 5
5. Stir in the flaked cod, broth or water, and the rest of the coconut milk. Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until you have a moist stew that is not runny. Add the cilantro and half of the parsley. Taste and adjust with only a little salt if needed. Remove from the heat.
- 6
6. Preheat the oven to 375 °F / 190 °C. Lightly grease a round mold or small baking dish with a bit of oil.
- 7
7. Spread half of the mashed taro root on the bottom of the mold. Add all of the coconut cod stew in an even layer. Cover with the remaining mashed taro root, smoothing the top with a spoon.
- 8
8. Mix the crushed cassava flatbread with the remaining parsley and sprinkle it on top to create a crisp topping. Drizzle a few drops of the remaining lime juice over the surface.
- 9
9. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 °F / 190 °C. Then broil for 3 to 5 more minutes, watching closely, until the top is lightly golden and set.
- 10
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before unmolding or serving. Finish with the remaining lime juice if you want a brighter touch.
Chef tips
If the cod still tastes too salty after soaking, boil it a second time in fresh water before flaking. For cleaner slices, let the timbale stand for 10 minutes out of the oven before cutting.
Substitutions
You can replace the taro root with malanga or a mix of taro and cassava for a different texture. The parsley can be replaced with more cilantro, and the lime can be swapped for a small amount of sour orange juice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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