Are you interested in trying some Caribbean dishes to cook at home in order to expand your international experience? Perhaps you or your ancestors come from one of the nations in this part of the world and you want to return to your roots with mealtime exploration.
No matter what the reason, these five well-loved types of Caribbean food will satisfy your taste buds and open your eyes to new culinary delights.
Arroz Con Pollo – Delicious Option from Cuba
This classic dish that combines chicken and rice is simple to create at home. With tender chicken thighs, onions and peppers, rice, chicken stock, and authentic Cuban spices, you can cook this pretty dish in less time than you think.
Top spice choices include turmeric, coriander, cumin, and lime.
Jerk Chicken and Cabbage – A Taste of Jamaica
Many people think of classic jerk chicken first when imagining food in Jamaica. Use bone-in thighs or legs to get the richer flavor of dark meat.
Marinate the pieces in the perfect blend of lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, spicy peppers, brown sugar or honey, black pepper, and cinnamon and nutmeg. You can also add green onions to the mix.
Jerk chicken serves well with another Jamaican classic, steamed cabbage. Shred it into strips, add chili peppers and carrots, and mix with thyme, garlic, and onions for rich flavor.
Conch Salad – Favorite from the Bahamas
One of the most iconic ingredients in Bahamian cooking is the conch. This is a large shellfish may be difficult to find in other parts of the world, but it will create incredibly authentic dishes.
Raw conch salad is one of the most popular. Simply chop up the meat, add fresh vegetables like tomato, bell pepper, and onion, and season with citrus juice, salt, and pepper.
If you cannot find conch or prefer something vegetarian, consider pigeon peas and rice. This is a classic take on beans and rice found in many southern cultures, although pigeon peas are uniquely Bahamian. The sauce consists of tomato paste, onions, olive oil, cumin, red pepper, cilantro, scallions, and oregano.
Plantains – Dominican Republic Delish
Since the Dominican Republic has such a high percentage of mixed ethnicities, you will find an amazing array of recipes from this Caribbean location.
Try the official breakfast dish called Mangu, which is made primarily from boiled plantains. They are matched together with butter to make a smooth and creamy consistency. Top them with sautéed onions and vinegar or fried cheese, eggs, and salami for a savory dish.
If you want something slightly different, fry the plantains instead and serve it as a side dish with chicken or fish. This is called Mofongo.
Makawoni au Graten – A Haiti Favorite Recipe
Haitian food has many different influences that lead to unique tastes and flavor combinations. Unfortunately, many of them have ingredients that are difficult to find in the United States or elsewhere around the world.
One delicious option you can cook at home is Makawoni au graten, which is the Caribbean take on macaroni and cheese. It is made with chicken, ham, various vegetables, mayonnaise, mustard, and a variety of cheeses in any combination that suits your interests. A traditional Ragou is a stew made with pork or beef, peppers, onions, and carrots, and a delicious blend of spices served over rice.
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