Caribbean Foods You Need To Try
If there is one thing that you can say about every Caribbean dish, it is that it is packed out with incredible flavors. There is a misconception that all Caribbean food is spicy - but in reality, they are just packed with layers of flavor. Although there are some spicy dishes - spice isn’t the main sensation.
So what should you be making sure you try asap?
Jamaican Patties
Sweet, spicy, flakey, and so moreish, you’re going to want to stock up on these. You’ll find patties filled with saltfish, chicken, and beef and an accompaniment of seasoning. Getting your hands on some homemade patties will give you the absolute best experience, but heading to your local Caribbean takeout or restaurant, be sure to order one.
Oxtail Stew
If you love beef with deep, rich, and meaty flavors, then you will find oxtail stew or soup incredible. This stew is like a warm hug for your insides and is filled with spices like thyme, curry blends, green seasoning, and allspice.
The meat is so tender it will fall right off the bone, leaving you with juicy, beautifully seasoned meat in a rich broth. Oxtail as a cut of meat is highly underrated, but its flavor is quite unlike most other cuts. You can also make simple dishes with oxtail, like instant pot braised oxtail and butter beans.
Rice and Peas
For those who have never had Caribbean rice and peas, you’ve never really had rice and peas at all. The rice has a distinguished flavor and is creamy and delicious, thanks to the sweet and thick coconut milk.
Gungo peas or kidney beans bring a lot of flavors, and every family will have their own recipe for the seasoning. No matter where your rice and peas are, it will be different every time. You’ll find some common seasoning themes are chili, garlic, scallions, and thyme - but the rest will vary.
Saltfish Fritters
Tiny but mighty - these fritters pack a huge amount of flavor in such a small case. They are incredibly common in West Indian cooking, pack a salty punch on the mouth and pique appetites.
The saltfish is formed into bite-sized circles and fried in hot oil after being mixed with flour, herbs, and peppers. These golden morsels are delicious because they are crisp on the outside and flaky and soft in the middle. If you can’t get enough of saltfish, then get saltfish and ackee at your next opportunity.
Pepperpot
A big pot packed with more veggies than you’ll know what to do with. You’ll find potatoes, squash, okra, aubergine, and more - anything that is fresh and good for the pepperpot. For vegetarians, that’s it, but for meat lovers, there will be plenty of beef in there. Seasoned with thyme, scallions, coconut milk, black pepper, and scotch bonnet - it packs a tasty punch of flavor.
If warm spices and dishes that offer a depth of flavor that many others can’t rival are your things - check out this: A Crash Course on Indian Cuisine — Her Culture.
