DUTTY GAL (DIRTY GIRL) MEAL…..JAMAICAN DISH

Don’t let the name fool you. ‘Dutty Gal’ dish is one originated in the island of Jamaica as a poor man’s dish. It’s basically a meal consisting of good omega fatty acids that are heart healthy. I really don’t know how the meal got its name. And frankly, I don’t care; because, this amazing fish (mackerel) is packed in delicious tomato sauce that is succulent.

The past week I realized my diet consisted of too much meat. Yes, the dishes were fantastic and tasty, but, deep down I knew that I wasn’t having a balanced diet. I always like to have canned fish like sardines, tuna and mackerel on hand. As a result, I  ventured to my pantry and came upon a can of Grace mackerel packed in tomato sauce. Now that was a sure winner. It brought back memories of my days in the good old JA (Jamaica). My dear nephew who was spending part of his summer with me reminded me that the dish is called “Dutty Gal”. Oh boy, he couldn’t wait to dig in.

As such, I went to work. I softened an onion in a few teaspoons of olive oil. I also added a couple chopped plummy tomatoes. I love that. I knew for sure that I was gaining  needed lycopene, lutein, beta carotene and other nutrients from my tomatoes. And of course, I added minced scotch peppers (got to have my spice) with a splash of vinegar and a squeeze of lemon. Dutty Gal was sprinkled with cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt.

I served my Dutty Gal with boiled bananas and dumplings along with fried plantains.. A side dish of kale was also added. Would’ve loved steamed callaloo (Jamaican spinach), however, kale substituted quite well. A cool and refreshing drink of lemonade completed this awesome dish. My nephew and I were over the moon. Yea mon!