Caribbean food has a lot to offer gastronomically. From plant-based delicacies to mouthwatering meats and fish, the region’s cuisine is as diverse as it is enticing. With every bite, you can expect sweet flavors and exotic spices that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Here are some of the best foods from the Caribbean:
Mango Shrimp Stew
If you love shrimp as much as we do, then you’ll have to try this mardi gras-inspired shrimp stew. This dish combines shrimp, onions, and a few other ingredients to create a fragrant, yet delicate dish.
Mango Shrimp Stew Recipe (serves 4) INGREDIENTS For the stew: 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced 1 cup mild white fish or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon crushed dried red chilis 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the mango shrimp: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped ripe mango 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 teaspoon dried ginger 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup water 3 cups uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Pigeon Pea and Ham Soup
This soup is a velvety blend of pigeon peas and ham, with the latter giving it a rich, savory flavor. You can make this soup at home easily, and prepare it in bulk to serve to your family and friends during the cold winter months. We recommend serving it with toasted bread as a side dish.
Pigeon Pea and Ham Soup Recipe (serves 6) INGREDIENTS For the soup: 1 cup pigeon peas, soaked overnight 2 quarts water 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 red onion, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 2 carrots, diced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 garlic clove, minced 1 teaspoon salt 1 (32 ounce) can peeled tomato, with juice 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons liquid smoke 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 (16 ounce) can pigeon peas, drained
Baked Jerk Chicken
Staying true to the flavors of the island, this chicken dish is a must-try. Made with jerk spice, a sweet plant-based sauce that dates back to the Caribbean, this chicken is full of flavor. We recommend serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and grilled pineapple slices.
Baked Jerk Chicken Recipe (serves 4) INGREDIENTS For the chicken: 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
For the sauce: 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 teaspoons garlic, minced 2 teaspoons onion, minced
Coconut Bread with Black Bean Sauce
Bread is a staple in the Caribbean, and is considered a delicacy. This loaf is made of fermented and dried coconut and is one of the best ways to experience the region’s cuisine. Although it may be difficult to find outside of the Caribbean, you can make your own version at home.
Coconut Bread with Black Bean Sauce Recipe (serves 8) INGREDIENTS For the coconut bread: 2 cups shredded fresh coconut 1/4 cup coconut milk, divided 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 2/3 cup sugar 3/4 cup milk 3/4 cup water
For the black bean sauce: 1 can black beans (150 grams), drained and rinsed 1 cup water 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons soy sauce 2 teaspoons vinegar
Barbados’s black-eyed pea patty
This savory patty is a popular street food in Barbados. It can be prepared with a variety of ingredients, but black-eyed peas are the most common. It can be eaten as a snack or paired with curries and stews. You can buy them at the Barbados Central Market, or make your own at home.
Barbados’s black-eyed pea patty Recipe (makes 2 patties) INGREDIENTS For the peas: 1 cup black-eyed peas 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper For the patty: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 cups yellow corn meal 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons black pepper 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Conclusion
Entertaining guests is one of the best ways to show them a good time, and the Caribbean has a lot to offer when it comes to this. From seafood to traditional meals, there are many delicious options to choose from. So, let us guide you through the best foods from the region and show you a good time!
