By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on September 26, 2023 | Last Updated on September 26, 2023
Haiti is a Caribbean nation known for its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine. The Haitian Tomtom is a classic dish that combines flavors from both the French and African cultures, making it a crowd-pleaser.
This dish is made with breadfruit, a type of tropical fruit native to Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean. This classic Haitian Tomtom is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
In this article, we will show you how to make the perfect Haitian Tomtom – delicious, flavorful, and sure to bring smiles to your dinner table. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
What is Haitian Tomtom?
Haitian Tomtom is a classic dish from Haiti made with breadfruit. It’s usually served as a side dish, but it can also be topped with meats or vegetables for a heartier meal.
This dish is made by boiling breadfruit in salted water until it’s tender, mashing it into a thick paste, and serving as desired.
The breadfruit gives the dish a unique surface that pairs well with other ingredients like herbs and spices. It’s a great way to enjoy traditional Haitian flavors without having to travel to Haiti!
What does it taste like?
Haitian Tomtom has a unique flavor that combines the sweetness of breadfruit with salty and savory elements.
The breadfruit gives the dish a starchy texture that can be further enhanced by mashing it into a paste.
How did I first get introduced to the Haitian Tomtom?
I first got introduced to Haitian Tomtom when I visited Haiti on a family vacation many years ago. We had the opportunity to try some authentic Caribbean cuisine, and one of them that caught my eye was the Haitian Tomtom.
I was intrigued by the unique flavor and texture combination, so I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I instantly fell in love with the dish!
The dish was made with fresh breadfruit and local spices, making it incredibly flavorful. I was hooked after the first bite!
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn how to make Haitian Tomtom from a local chef. She showed me all the tips and tricks for making this dish.
I’ve been making this dish ever since, and it’s become a family favorite! We love serving Haitian Tomtom as a side or topping it with meats and vegetables. It’s definitely one of our go-to sides when we have friends over for dinner.
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How to make Haitian Tomtom?
Making Haitian Tomtom is simple and easy. You will need just a few ingredients, some of which you may already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Water: Water is an essential ingredient for any kind of food, and it’s no different when making Haitian Tomtom.
- Breadfruit: This tropical fruit is native to the Caribbean Islands, which makes it perfect for this particular dish. Breadfruit has a unique flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in Haitian Tomtom.
- Salt: Salt is used to add some saltiness to the dish. It’s important to get the right balance of salt and other flavors in order to make the perfect Haitian Tomtom.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Begin by prepping the breadfruit. Peel the skin off the fruit and cut into cubes.
Step 2
Boil water in a pot on medium-high heat, adding salt to taste.
Step 3
Once the water has come to a boil, add in the cubed breadfruit and reduce heat to low-medium.
Step 4
Simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The breadfruit should be tender when cooking.
Step 5
Once the breadfruit is cooked through, remove from heat. Using a potato masher, mash the breadfruit into a thick paste. Serve as desired.
Tips
- For a more robust flavor, try adding herbs and spices like garlic powder, oregano, or thyme.
- You can vary the texture of your Haitian Tomtom by mashing less or more.
- If you don’t have breadfruit, you can substitute it with any other starchy vegetable like potatoes or yams.
- Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley can bring an additional taste to the dish.
- For a richer flavor, try adding butter or coconut milk to the breadfruit mash.
- You can also top Haitian Tomtom with shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
- For even more flavor, try adding in some cooked bacon or smoked sausage.
- You can also add in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Haitian Tomtom?
Here are some delicious sides that pair perfectly with Haitian Tomtom:
- Rice and beans.
- Fried plantains.
- Grilled vegetables.
- Stewed meats like chicken or beef.
- Spicy hot sauces.
- Roasted root vegetables.
- Salads with a light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
- Sauteed greens like kale or spinach.
- Roasted potatoes.
- Grilled shrimp or fish.
- Spicy sauces like jerk marinade or a homemade hot sauce.
How to store leftover Haitian Tomtom?
Leftover Haitian Tomtom can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
Alternatively, you can freeze your Haitian Tomtom for up to six months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Haitian Tomtom. The dish is made with simple ingredients like breadfruit and salt, so it’s relatively safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation.
Pregnant women should take extra care to ensure that the Haitian Tomtom has been cooked properly. Breadfruit needs to be boiled perfectly, so make sure to cook the breadfruit thoroughly.
It’s also important to watch for any allergies or sensitivities when trying new foods during pregnancy. If you have any concerns about food safety while pregnant, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before eating Haitian Tomtom or any other dish.
Haitian Tomtom Recipe
Equipment
- peeler
- a large pot
Ingredients
- Water
- 2 peeled ripe breadfruit
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and dice the breadfruit into cubes.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the cubed breadfruit to the boiling water, then reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Remove from heat and mash the breadfruit to a thick paste.
- Serve Haitian Tomtom as desired.
Notes
- For a more robust flavor, try adding herbs and spices like garlic powder, oregano, or thyme.
- You can vary the texture of your Haitian Tomtom by mashing less or more.
- If you don’t have breadfruit, you can substitute it with any other starchy vegetable like potatoes or yams.
- Adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley can bring an additional taste to the dish.
- For a richer flavor, try adding butter or coconut milk to the breadfruit mash.
- You can also top Haitian Tomtom with shredded cheese for a cheesy twist.
- For even more flavor, try adding in some cooked bacon or smoked sausage.
- You can also add in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
FAQs
Can I make Haitian Tomtom in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Haitian Tomtom in the slow cooker. Place all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until breadfruit is tender.
How can I make it spicier?
You can make Haitian Tomtom spicier by adding in your favorite spices or hot sauces. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and chili powder are all great options for adding heat to the dish. You could also try adding diced jalapenos or habaneros.
Can I use canned breadfruit instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned breadfruit for Haitian Tomtom. Just make sure to rinse off any preservatives or salt from the canned version before adding it to your pot. Canned breadfruit is usually softer than fresh ones so you may need less cooking time.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Haitian Tomtom. This dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Please share this article with your friends and family who are looking to add more flavor and variety to their meals.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
