While I’ve been told that our grandmother’s (maternal) version of this dish was unmatched, I’m sure she would be pleased with the excellent job I’m doing with this simplified take on a classic vegan dish from Trinidad and Tobago.
You’ll Need…
2-3 lbs eddoes 4 cloves garlic (chopped or smashed) 1 medium onion (sliced) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 1 green Scotch Bonnet pepper (sliced) 1/2 teaspoon black pepper water
Notes! If doing this dish gluten free, may I recommend that you go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. May I also recommend that you watch the video below as I explain how to choose and peel eddoes and why it’s IMPORTANT that you wear gloves or coat your hands with oil before you handle them.
Peel, wash and cut the eddoes.
Heat the oil (your choice of oil) on a medium flame in a saucepan. Add the onion, garlic and black pepper. Turn the heat down to low and cook for 2-3 minutes.
It’s time to add the scotch bonnet pepper. I used an entire green one (not mature) as the heat level and flavor is somewhat unique. Should you prefer to leave out the “heat” element, you’re free to do so or use in amounts you can tolerate.
After about 2 minutes after adding the scotch bonnet pepper, it’s time to add the eddoes to the pot and stir well.
Add the salt and Caribbean green seasoning, followed by water and bring to a boil (turn the heat up). You need to add enough water to completely cover everything.
Reduce to a simmer and cook for between 20 and 25 minutes. The eddoes will start to break down and the sauce will thicken. Here’s where you’ll decide (once the eddoes are fully cooked – SOFT) how thick you want the gravy or sauce and adjust the salt to your liking.
I must admit that it’s not a pretty dish (maybe this explains why I was never a fan of it as a lil fella on the islands), however the flavor from such a simple dish is very surprising. I know the question on your mind is “what do we eat this with?” For me it’s got to be hot (thin) Sada Roti.
So what makes this version differ from my mom and her mom? Salted Cod! They both add flaked salted cod (say saltfish) along with the onion and garlic at the start.
I luv me some Jerk Chicken, and whileJerk Shrimp is underrated IMHO.. Jerk Pork is simply special (outstanding). Especially when it’s been marinated overnight in a wicked Jerk Marinade and grilled over charcoal or on my Traeger Smoker. You MUST allow things to happen low and slow though. With that said, I had some leftover Jerk Pork from the night before so I decided to clear out the fridge a bit and rock a wicked Jerk Pork Stir Fry.
You’ll Need…
1/2 lb jerk pork slices 1 1/2 tablespoon grape seed oil (optional) 2 cloves garlic (chopped fine) 1 medium onion (sliced) 3/4 red bell pepper (chopped) 3/4 orange bell pepper (chopped) 1 medium carrot (thin sliced) 2 stalks celery (with leaves) 3/4 teaspoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon chili crisp 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 3/4 tablespoon dark soy sauce 2 scallions (chopped) leaves of celery (chopped)
Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below. Should you want this extra spicy, add any of your fav hot peppers or a dash of pepper sauce (hot sauce). The jerk marinade I used in grilling the pork had scotch bonnet peppers in it.
Further. Should you want to add grated ginger, sliced cabbage, mushrooms and zucchini to the stir fry, please do so. Additionally, you may add cooked noodles and have it become an outstanding one-pot meal.
Prep all the ingredients as the cook time will be fairly quick.
Heat the oil (use your fav oil) on a medium flame (I explain why I like using a wok), then add the celery (sliced), followed by the onion and garlic. Turn the heat down slightly so we don’t burn the garlic. Should you want to add grated ginger, do so now.
After 2-3 minutes, turn the heat back up to medium and add the peppers and carrot, along any other vegetable/s you feel like adding. Stir well and cook for 2 minutes.
Now go in with the Hoisin, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce and Chili Crisp. Stir well and cook for another minute. I don’t usually add any salt as the jerk marinade I used along with the soy sauce is enough sodium for me. But later on you may add salt should you like (after tasting the completed dish).
In goes the thinly sliced Jerk Pork and cook until the pork is heated through. About 2-3 minutes on that medium flame.
Just before turning off the stove add the scallions and celery leaves and toss. The residual heat will warm those through and brighten up the overall stir-fry.
I’m not the biggest fan of sesame oil, so I went lightly, however you may adjust this to your liking. Should you be adding cooked noodles to the mix, may I suggest that you double up on the sesame oil, soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Oyster sauce is a great addition to this Jerk Pork Stir Fry as well.
Serve warm!
I hope you get an opportunity to make this awesome Jerk Pork Stir Fry for you, your family and friends.
While I’ve been the recipient of many airfryers (brands send them to me), I sparingly use them. Why? I cook for 5 people and the size of the standard airfryer is not as accommodating, unless you cook in batches. However the new stove I purchased a few months back (DON’T BUY Samsung stoves) has an airfryer feature (essentially a wire basket, with the convection setting on) which allows for cooking larger amounts.
You’ll Need…
1 lemon (juice) 3 pounds chicken wings (trimmed) 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 1/2 tablespoon Bone Sucking Sauce (powder)
Notes. In my culture we wash our meats, but if that’s not your thing you can skip that step. To keep things simple I used a prepacked rub. You may make your own or use a brand you like. I am not affiliated with the brand I used.
Trim and wash the chicken wings with cool water and the lemon or lime juice. Then pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season with the salt and the Bone Sucking rub on both sides.
I set my airfryer to 380 F and gave the wire rack a coat of baking spray (oil) to prevent sticking and to assist clean-up after. Try to leave some space between each wing, so there’s airflow – better even cooking.
Just before I placed the seasoned chicken wings in the airfryer I gave the top of the wings a quick spay of the baking spray (optional).
After 20 minutes, I flipped the wings to the other side and put them back into the airfryer, but at 400 F.
Depending on how big the chicken wings are that you used, it will take another 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden colour with a bit of charring on the edges.
Now you’re probably wondering why I mentioned to not get a Samsung Stove. The list of reasons is long, but in keeping with the airfryer feature – the entire oven gets to be a MESS. The grease splatter is not only throughout the oven, it’s caked on at the bottom of the oven and door. A $3000 + stove/oven that’s stained only after the first use. Stupes! Let me know if you’re interested in a full review video on the Samsung Dual Oven With Airfryer in the comments below.
I know this is not your typical Caribbean recipe, but with all the requests I’ve been getting for Slow Cooker and Airfryer recipes, I thought I’d share. Plus.. who doesn’t like a good crispy yet juicy Chicken Wing?
Do we really need another Curry Goat recipe? If the technique is different than the ones I’ve already shared, absolutely YES we do! Over the years we done Curry Goat in theOven, in the Slow Cooker, Coal Pot,Pressure Cooker, and the more traditional low and slow way. However, in none of those recipes did we employ the use of this technique of cooking curry.
You’ll Need…
4-5 lbs goat (with bones) 1 lime or lemon (see note) 1 medium onion (sliced) 10-14 cloves gallic (smashed) 2 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (use your fav oil) 2 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 2 bay leaves | 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 tablespoon Anchar Masala 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (geera) 1 scotch bonnet pepper (see note) 2 1/2 tablespoon curry powder 4-6 pimento berries (allspice) 1 large tomato (diced) 3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust) water 6 sprigs fresh thyme 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Notes! May I suggest that you watch the video below as I share valuable washing, cutting, and other important steps in more detail. I used goat meat with bones as I much prefer the deeper flavor I get from doing so. If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free requirements. Especially the Curry Powder you use as some may contain fillers. The Anchar Masala can be sourced at your local or online West Indian grocers. In total I used close to two Scotch Bonnet peppers as I enjoy my Curry Goat spicy. You’re free to use as much or less to your own heat tolerance.
In a deep heavy pot on a medium flame, add the oil, followed by the onion and garlic. Cook on low for 2 minutes, then add the cumin seeds, black pepper, 1/2 a scotch bonnet pepper and Caribbean Green Seasoning. Cook for another 3 minutes on low, stirring a few times.
Add the curry powder and stir well. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Now turn the heat up to medium and add 1 1/2 cups water. Followed by the pimento berries, tomato, and Anchar Masala. Should you not have the masala, use 1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera).
The goal here is to cook out the ‘rawness’ of the curry, while building a wicked curry base. Add the bay leaves. The tomato will help us later develop a wonderful gravy and the acidity brings balance to the overall flavor of the curry.
Cook on a rapid boil until all of the liquid is gone. This step will concentrate the overall flavor of the curry. In the video I explained that I want to see the oil we started with, plus get separation when I pass my spatula.
At this point we’ll add the washed and drained goat to the pot. Turn the heat up to medium/high as we want to sear the pieces of goat and in the process coat it with the curry. No we did not season the goat in advance and in the video I explained how and why I washed the the goat with the lime juice.
Turn the heat to medium, cover the pot and let the goat spring it’s own juices as it comes to a boil. After which, turn the heat to med/low and let it cook with the lid slightly ajar for 10 minutes.
Time to move on. Remove the lid, turn up the heat and burn off that liquid.
We now have to add liquid to slowly braise the goat until fork tender. I’ve been asked about using chicken and/or beef stock instead of the water I prefer using. Note that should you use stock, it will alter the taste of the finished curry. If I were to use any stock, it’d go for a vegetable one.
Add boiling water to the pot to cover the goat by about 1 inch or so. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer, add the salt and allow it to cook with the lid on (slightly ajar) for 2- 3 hours. Yes it will take long and as explained in the video, the cook time (getting tender) will depend on how old the goat was when it was butchered. An older goat will obviously take longer to tenderize.
As it came up to a boil I added the sprigs of time and floated a Fatali pepper (optional), which I broke later on to release the heat. Should you want to control the heat of this curry goat, do not add a scotch bonnet at the start when we did. Instead, float a WHOLE pepper at this point and Do NOT break it. Near the end, remove the pepper and discard. You’ll get a subtle kiss of heat and tons of flavor from the oils on the skin of the pepper.
Remember to stir every 20 minutes or so and make sure there’s water so it doesn’t burn (add if necessary). After about 2 and 1/2 hours, check to see if it’s tender to your liking and you may as well taste and adjust the salt now.
Once you’re happy with the salt and tenderness, adjust the gravy (turn up the heat to thicken.. but keep in mind that it will thicken as it cools). Final step is to add the parsley and turn off the stove. Since goat can be fatty (unless you use lean boneless), I find that the parsley cuts the fat a bit. Traditionally you’d use Shado Beni(culantro) or cilantro (coriander) instead.
We didn’t season and marinate the goat over night, however you’ll be pleasantly surprised how delicious this Curry Goat is.
Low and slow is the game. Yes a pressure cooker will cut the time by about 75%, but I can guarantee you, it will not be as tasty.
Over the years I’ve shared many traditional (mango, cucumber, pineapple and Pommecythere), along with nontraditional type Chow recipes with you. Including ones made with Cherries, Grapes, and Strawberries. Surprisingly I’ve never shared my Peach Chow with you. Until today!
You’ll Need…
5 Peaches (firm) 3-5 cloves garlic 3 leaves Shado Beni (aka chando Beni or culantro) 1 scotch bonnet pepper 1 fatali pepper 2 lemons (juice) 1 lime (juice) 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 small red onion (sliced thin) * water
Note! Please watch the video below to see how easy it was to cut the peaches into wedges and why using firm peaches which are air-dried first, gives you best results. The type of hot pepper you use is up to you. Chow is supposed to be spicy, but you’re free to tailor this to your own liking and heat tolerance. Reminder – wash you hands with soap and water after handling hot peppers.
Give the peaches a rinse then remove the seeds (stone, pit) and cut into segments. At this point I like for the pieces to air dry for about 30 minutes.
Try you best to get firm peaches as the more ripe (softer ones) will have the tendency to go to mush easily.
Add the salt, garlic and hot pepper you decide on using to your mortar and crush until smooth. To control the heat a bit you may adjust the amount of pepper you use and should you want… remove and discard the seeds and white membrane surrounding the seeds. Be mindful that the smashing action may cause it to splatter and get to your eyes.
I like squeezing the citrus juices directly into this mixture so I can somewhat rinse the mortar out with it and collect all that spicy garlic goodness.
In a large bowl with the peach wedges, add the thinly sliced red onion and top with the chopped Shado beni. Then pour the spicy juice directly over it all.
Since we air-dried the peaches for a bit, you’ll find that the chow base (juices) will soak in and get deeper into the peach and not just sit on the surface. Give it a good mix and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes in the fridge before you jump in to enjoy. Yea, taste for salt and adjust.
Providing you used firm peaches, it will keep in the fridge for about 1 week. Feel free to add a bit of water should you want more of the sauce. Yes, as a lil fella on the islands we enjoyed that juice as much as the actual fruit we used.
Should you not be able to source the shado beni, cilantro (aka coriander) is an excellent replacement.
I’ve grown so fond of breadfruit over the years it pains me to hear that the tree at the back of my parents home in Trinidad and Tobago, is usually laden every year and about 80% of them go to waste. With only my uncle at the house, there’s only so much he can eat and after a while villagers gets bored with his generosity. Maybe they too got trees in their garden?
You’ll Need…
1 mature breadfruit (about 4-5 lbs)
For Boiling The breadfruit…
1 can coconut milk 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning water 1/2 Scotch Bonnet pepper (optional – for boiling) 4 sprigs thyme 2 scallions 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
Notes. If doing this recipe vegan, replace the butter with olive or coconut oil or whatever butter replacement you usually use. Go though the full list of ingredients if doing this gluten free to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. I used Scotch Bonnet pepper in the recipe but you may use any spicy pepper you like or can source. Or leave it out if spicy is not your thing.
Please refer to the video below for a better understanding of how to peel, core and slice the breadfruit. I first cut the stem area off so I have a flat surface, then using my knife I cut the breadfruit in half, followed by three more cuts to get wedges (6 in total).
Using a pairing knife I then removed the core and skin, after which the wedges were washed and drained.
Place everything (all that’s mentioned in the ‘boiling’ list above) in a deep pot, cover with additional water and bring to a boil.
I like adding scotch bonnet here as it allows for that kick to make it’s way deep into the pieces of breadfruit as they cook.
Reduce to a rolling boil and remember to flip the pieces every 10 minutes or so, so they cook evenly. Make sure they’re covered with liquid during the 35-40 minutes it will take for the them to go tender.
Once you can pierce the thickest parts with a knife and there’s no resistance, you’ll know it’s fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
It’s time for the frying part of the recipe. This is where we add additional flavor to give it that unique Caribbean finish.
Heat the butter in a wide pan on a medium flame and add the onion, garlic, Scotch Bonnet, scallions Pimento pepper (should you be able to source it) and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook gently for 4-5 minutes.
When the breadfruit is cool enough to handle you may then chop into bit sized pieces or if you prefer, you may mash or crush it. I opted for pieces.
Once the onions etc are tender, it’s then time to add the breadfruit to the saucepan and stir well.
Try your best to coat all the pieces of breadfruit with the buttery base we created and to help create a bit of crust, turn the heat up to medium. After about 3-4 minutes, top with the parsley.
You may taste and adjust the salt to your liking and decide how much of a crust you want on the pieces of breadfruit. Turn off the stove and enjoy. While this is part of my #MeatFreeMondays series, I must confess that I did top my plate with stewed beef.
BTW, if you’ve ever been to the Oistins area in Barbados, you would have had the opportunity to have this with grilled Mahi Mahi (called dolphin locally).
Mother In Law? If you’re not from Trinidad and Tobago or the other parts of the Caribbean you may not know what this dish is and why it’s called Mother In Law. I strongly believe the name stems from it being a VERY Hot n Spicy condiment.. the sort of trait we generally associate with one’s Mother In Law. But that would be a guess. Should you know a different explanation, please share in the comment section below. I know I said that the Roasted Pepper Choka was the ultimate condiment (side) to curry dishes, however this Carilie Mother In Law could also lay claim to that title.
You’ll Need…
2 Carilie 2 limes (juice) 2 medium carrots 5-8 chives 1 medium red onion 6 cloves garlic 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 scotch bonnet pepper 2 fatali peppers 1 pimento pepper (aka seasoning pepper) 6-10 leaves shado beni 1/2 cup white vinegar
Notes. With the Carilie (bitter melon) I explained in the video below that I had 1 which was fully mature (which was used in the food processor) and the other wasn’t fully mature (different flavor), which was sliced thinly. Ultimately the goal was to not only have different flavors from the Carilie, but textures as well. If doing this dish gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten fre dieary requirements.
Carilie – Momordica charantia commonly called bitter melon, goya, bitter apple, bitter gourd, bitter squash and balsam pear.
Give everything a rinse with cool water. Then rough-chop the onion, peppers ( I used Scotch Bonnet, Fatali and Pimento Peppers… use any HOT peppers you have available), carrots and chives. Please note that as explained in the video below, the Pimento pepper is not hot, but the flavor is simply amazing. If you can source it at you local West Indian market, may I recommend getting a couple.
With the mature Carilie, I cut it down the center, removed the inner seeds area with a spoon and gave it a rough chop as well. To make it easier work for my food processor. You may use a blender or hand-chop everything as it was traditionally done back in the day.
Place the onion, garlic, salt, peppers, carrots, shado beni (chadon beni) and chives into the food processor. I used a red onion as it’s much milder in flavor than the everyday onion, plus the red color makes it more attractive looking at the end.
Squeeze in the juice of the limes.
May I recommend that you pulse and not have it on a continuous speed or you may end up with a puree. This is supposed to have a bit of texture to it. Should you want to add more hot peppers do so, and remember to wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water after handling hot peppers.
With the other (non-mature) carilie, cut it into 3-4 parts, then remove the core (see the video below), then slice as thinly as you can.
Mix everything together and add the white vinegar.
If you wanted to add another flavor to things (I prefer it like this) add a 1/2 teaspoon of ground roasted geera (cumin). Store in a container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Adjust the salt if you find that it’s overly tart. Another excellent side to curry dishes.
With the summer being as scorching as it was, I had been meaning to share this recipe ever since early July. However I never got around to doing so, until now. We’re into the 2nd week of September and the temperature outside is still searing and for many of us, keeping cool is challenging.
You’ll Need…
3 pieces of ginger (smashed) 5 cups water 1 cup white sugar 5 + 1 lemon 1 sprig rosemary ice cubes 1 teaspoon Angostura Bitter 1 teaspoon Mixed essence (check you local West Indian store)
Notes! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. If you’re chilling this lemonade in the fridge and won’t be using ice cubes, add an extra cup or two of water.
Smash the ginger (don’t worry about peeling, but do give it a good wash), then in a pot on a medium/high flame, bring the water to a boil. As this happens, add the ginger and sugar. Simmer (low) for 2-3 minutes, then allow this ginger flavored syrup to cool.
As it cools, juice 5 lemons in a large bowl or the pitcher you’ll be serving the finished ginger lemonade in.
Once the liquid is cool, strain it into the bowl with the lemon juice and stir well.
Add the mixed essence (add vanilla or almond extract if you cannot source) and bitters and stir again.
It’s now time to chill in the fridge or top with ice cubes (in a pitcher) and tuck in the rosemary. Slice the remaining lemon and toss into the pitcher for presentation and to add even more lemon flavor – be sure to give this lemon a good scrub as it’s going into our actual drink, skin and all. Stir a little to bruise the rosemary leaves, so the oils release and kiss the lemonade with a gentle herbal note. Yes you may add mint instead should you prefer.
Remember the ice cubes will further dilute the lemonade so feel free to add more lemon juice and/or sugar should you wish. Basically any sweetener you like can be used, in the amounts which best suit you.
Not necessarily a dish you’d find commonplace in the Caribbean and as I’ve explained in the video below, my take on this was born out of necessity (in my home). A combination of having pieces of tomatoes from the Preparing 25lbs of Tomato For the Winter post, and times when I have an abundance of tomatoes from garden. Vegan, Vegetarian, Ital and Gluten free, while not sacrificing taste.
You’ll Need…
3 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 4 cloves garlic (smashed) 1 medium onion (large chunks) 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 green peppers (watch the video) 1 tablespoon curry powder 2 cups tomato puree 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (adjust) 5 medium tomato in chunks 1 teaspoon tumeric 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 tablespoon ground masala 3 tablespoon water 10 cherry tomato 1/2 cup chopped chives
Notes! If doing this recipe gluten free please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the curry powder you use as some commercial ones may contain fillers. I didn’t add any overly spicy peppers (scotch Bonnet), but you’re free to add if you want the finished curry to have a pronounced kick. Refer to the video below where I explain why I used 3 different types of tomato in the dish.
Heat the oil (you may use any oil you prefer) on a medium flame in a deep pot (I used a glazed clay pot I purchased at a Hispanic store at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market), then add the mustard seeds, followed by the garlic, onion and green peppers two minutes later. Top with the black pepper, crush the bay leaf (add) and turn the heat down to low. Gently cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add the curry powder and give it a good stir. Continue cooking on a low heat as we don’t want to burn the garlic nor the curry. Cook for 3 minutes, then turn the heat to medium and add the tomato puree. Basically I placed chunks of tomato into my bullet blender and created the puree – you may need to add a couple tablespoons of water.
Add the salt and cook on a medium flame to help the liquid in the tomato burn off. It will take about 8-10 minutes. Do remember to stir every few minutes. You’ll see the oil we started with start rise to the surface.
The base will be thick and chunky from the big pieces of onion and peppers. Add the chunks of tomato at this point, followed by the turmeric, cinnamon and ground masala. Should you want to add a teaspoon of brown sugar (if your tomatoes are tart) do so and toss in the 3 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on that simmer (don’t over-stir as we want to maintain some texture from the chunky pieces of tomato), then adjust the salt to your liking (taste). It’s now time to add the cherry tomatoes and chives. Yes, you may add chopped Shado Beni(culantro) or Culantro (coriander), but as explained in the video, I prefer chives as I want that finishing garlic/onion flavor note on my tastebuds.
Turn off the heat and allow the residual heat from this clay pot to soften the cherry tomatoes. You may cook for an extra minute or two should you wish.
A delightful vegan curry, with wonderful flavors and interesting textures from using tomato three ways. TIP! Instead of using water as I did, you may use coconut milk for a wonderful sweet and creamy undertone.
I LOVE Tomato Chokaand if I’m being honest, I can probably have it everyday for the rest of my life. Such is the adoration I have for this tasty vegan dish. With that in mind and the fact that Canadian Winters can be severe, I try to process the tomato while the temperature is warm outside and when the local farmers are harvesting their summer’s crop. Fresh from the field tomato which are fire roasted makes a supreme Tomato Choka, even after being frozen. BTW have you tried my Tomato Choka Rice Soup yet? Make it happen!
You’ll Need…
25 lbs Roma Tomato (washed) grill food mill freezer containers large spoon pairing knife cookie sheet tongs bucket
Notes. I used 12 oz containers and the yield got me 12 containers to freeze. Watch the video for additional tips. I used Roma tomatoes as I find them to be more meaty (less water), contain less seeds and are a bit sweeter and not as tart as other varieties of tomato.
Wash and airdry the tomato and while you go through the box, check for those which are going bad (I lost about 5 lbs) and remove. Those ones (mom would be proud), I cut the pieces off which were still good and I plan do do a lovely curry with them in the coming days.
Using a pairing knife, remove the stems/stem area as it can be tough to break down later on. I’ll be using a food mill (refer to the picture below or video) but you may use a mortar and pestle (lots of work), food processor or blender. Be mindful that each option mentioned will give you a different finished texture and consistency. I used the largest grate (comes with 3 sizes) on the food mill, as I like my choka with a body.
Roast the tomatoes on a high heat. They took about 15 minutes to char perfectly and cook all the way through. Watch the video below for a few tips when grilling.
Yes you can broil (oven), stove top roast (messy), boil in water or microwave the tomatoes during the winter months, however NOTHING beats the flavor you get from roasting then over an open fire. Additionally, I paid $8.88 for 25 pounds of Roma tomato, which is incredibly cheap. During the winter the price can rage between $2 and$3.25 a pound in the supermarket. PLUS those are usually shipped from far distances (harvested green and sprayed with ripening inhibitors) or from closer green-houses (those taste like water). These tomatoes were grown in a field local to me and delicious from the summer’s sun.
You have a couple options now. Allow the tomatoes to cool and the skin will easily peel off before you break them down or as in my case, toss a few into your food mill and crank away. Coincidently the circumference of bucket I used (washed with soap and bleach first) fit the base of my food mill perfectly.
Be mindful that you’re working with hot tomatoes. Don’t risk getting burned.
It took a couple hours to work my way through the 25 pounds of tomato, as I had to stop to film, take pictures and set up shots. Basically it will take you much less time.
It’s just a matter of filling your containers and cleaning up at this point.
NO, do not add salt, pepper, onion etc at this point. May I recommend doing so fresh, when you make the actual choak in the months ahead. Yes, they will store for at least 6 months in the freezer.
Label the containers with the name of the contents as it can get confusing when frozen and they look like chilli or pasta sauce you may have in the freezer. Allow the roasted tomato sauce to COOL completely before you snap on the lids and stack them in the freezer. While you could use freezer zipper bags to freeze this (takes less space), I find these container stack better in my freezer and I’ve had instances when the freezer bags stuck together as they froze.
Thawing and Use. Remove from the freezer, place on your counter or in the fridge overnight, then place in a saucepan on a gentle heat (add a couple tablespoons of water if necessary), then proceed with making your tomato choka.
Over the years I’ve shared countless Peppersauce Recipes with you, and while this pickled bird pepper is not technically a sauce, in the Caribbean it would fall into that category. Yea, I grew up knowing these peppers (while a bit smaller in size) Bird Pepper (since birds would feed on them in your garden and later on the droppings would sprout pepper tress at the start of the rainy season) and not Bird’s Eye Pepper. We also had a variety known as Kiskedee peppers, named after the bird which would also feed on them.
You’ll Need…
1/4 lb red Bird’s Eye peppers 1/4 lb green Bird’s Eye pepper 4-5 Scotch Bonnet peppers 3- 3 1/2 cups white vinegar 4-6 cloves garlic (smashed) 1 teaspoon white sugar 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
Notes! Wear gloves when handling such hot peppers and wash you hands immediately after with soap and water. I opted to add a punch of HEAT with the Scotch Bonnet peppers.. that is optional or use any variety of hot pepper you enjoy or can source. I did cut them open so the vinegar could get into direct contact with the insides to add that KICK I wanted. If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements.
Place the vinegar (yes, plain white vinegar) in a pot on a medium flame and add the peppercorns. As soon as you start seeing tiny bubbles on the edges, turn off the stove and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. The goal is to get the peppercorns to release it’s flavors with the warm vinegar.
As mentioned in the video below, I like adding a bit EXTRA HOT peppers to further add a kick to this pickle, as I make full use of the liquid on my grilled meats. I used 3 Scotch Bonnet and one Fatali peppers from my garden. They were cut in half.
Those cut peppers were added first to my jar (sterilized) followed by the red and then the green peppers. You may add them in any or no order as you like. I just find that it looks more attractive in the jar in this way.
Top with the salt and sugar .. if you want you may add a few wedges of lemon should you want a subtle citrus flavor to the pickle.
Tuck in the smashed garlic.
All that’s left to do is to pour the vinegar into the bottle and try and cover everything with it. Add a bit more vinegar should you need to.
FYI the green Bird’s Eye Pepper will have a different flavor and heat level than the red ones, since the green color signifies that they are not fully mature. Seal the bottle, give it a shake and store in a cool dark spot in your kitchen. It will last a few months. For a longer shelf life, store in the fridge. When removing the peppers, use a clean/dry fork or spoon.
If you wanted to add some sliced carrots in here, that would work. Additionally you may add a few cloves and/or some Szechuan peppercorns to change up the flavor profile a bit.
I spoke about my adoration for Baigan Choka in my cookbook and how it’s one of those dishes that takes me back to innocent days of being ah lil fella on the islands. Served with hot Sada Roti and a thick wedge of Zaboca (avocado) and a cup of warm Cocoa Tea or Milo. That is Comfort Food!
This is not a recipe post but about convenience and a means to save a TON of Money. Allow me to explain. Baigan (Eggplant, Melongene or Aubergine) Choka is BEST when the Baigan or Eggplant is fire roasted.. that’s a fact! Yes you can roast the eggplant in the oven or nuke it in the microwave, but the resulting Choka will not be the same. While the temperature is nice outside heading to the BBQ or Grill outside is not an issue, but winters in Canada can be VERY Harsh. The mercury dips below -40 C late January – early February. No one wants to go outside even for bread, milk nor eggs, yet alone grill eggplant.
Then there’s the cost of Eggplant (especially since COVID), at retail (in Canada) it can range between $1.99 to $3.50 a lb. However during the summer months (near the end of August) you can get bushels (or 1/2 bushel)when farmers are harvesting their summer’s crop at a reasonable rate. My basic math, I’d guess it ranges between .35 and .55 cents a lb.
You’ll Need…
grill (propane, wood or charcoal) bulk eggplant Scotch Bonnet peppers (optional) pairing knife couple spoons tongs baking trays (I used 1 large and 2 smaller ones) bucket or rubbish pail freezer containers table to work on
While your grill comes up to a HIGH temperature (ranged between 550 F and 700 F), all you need to do is give each eggplant a few cuts (or stabs), especially the thickest areas. This will allow for quicker cooking and for the steam to vent as they roast.
Some people may decide to stuff those cut with slices of garlic, but I’m not a fan of that step. I much prefer to add my raw garlic when I assemble the dish later on.
It’s just a matter of placing the pierced eggplant onto the grill and roast until they are fully cooked inside (about 20-30 minutes). Remember to flip them so all sides get in contact with the flame. May I recommend that you try to get all the same size for each batch of grilling. I started with my large ones, then moved on to smaller ones … this way I know they cook time would be the same for each in the batch.
The container I used was determined by how much I needed for a meal in my home, so all I’ll need to do is thaw one container and everyone would be sorted at breakfast or dinner. They were found at a local wholesale grocery where restaurants shop (all restaurant supply shops will have them) and they were under $12 for 50 (tub and lid). If you don’t have a lot of space in your freezer you may use freezer zipper bags as they can lay on each other. Or you can rock your vacuum sealer.
Once fully cooked (the skin will be burnt and hard in some cases), it’s time to get started. My setup was as follows. I had a large bowl next to my large baking sheet and the smaller baking tray was used to transport the roasted eggplant to the table. I placed two roasted eggplant onto the large baking sheet, then using my pairing knife I cut them open (watch the video below) and scraped the cooked insides out with the spoons. That flesh was put into the large bowl to cool.
May I recommend that if you’re using a propane grill that you have an extra tank of gas. While I do have 3 tanks.. yup! I ran out of propane (they were all empty) and had to stop to go to the Costco to get them refilled. In doing so mid-roasting (having to stop), those eggplant which were 1/3 cooked, became dark and discolored on the inside when I finally got back to them.
As you work your way though the roasted eggplants, toss the skins into your rubbish container (you may compost). I worked my way through a batch, then I added more to the grill so I’d have time to rest between roasting and scraping.
Once cooled a bit I started to fill all of the containers with the appropriate amount. Please keep in mind that there’s liquid in eggplant and liquid expands when frozen. Leave a bit of space at the toptocompensate for that expansion. Additionally, I knew I’d be adding roasted Scotch Bonnet Peppers at the top, so even more space was left in my case.
Refer to the image below. As you work your way through the roasting and scraping you may encounter a few with mature seeds and a bit of discoloration. My mom hates this in her Choka and with her as my teacher – I dislike too! So that area made it’s way into my rubbish pail. Not a big deal, but you can decide what you want to do if that’s the case.
One of the questions I received on Instagram was if I added salt or anything else into the containers. No What I do is thaw a container, crush the pepper along with salt and raw garlic in my mortar. I then add the thawed eggplant to the mortar and with my pestle I crush that too. Top with thinly sliced onions and temper (chunkay) with smoking hot oil. Stir! So no salt at this point and don’t worry about crushing the eggplant smooth now.
After I worked my way through all of the eggplant and had it all in containers I could then count the yield and know exactly how many peppers I’d need to roast. By roasting of charring (blister) the peppers, you get a wicked smokey flavor along with the heat.
Some of the containers were scheduled to be delivered to my parents in Toronto and knowing my dad does not tolerate spicy foods, those containers didn’t have any need for roasted peppers. Should you not be able to handle an entire scotch bonnet pepper, may I recommend you skip this step and add raw pepper when you make the actual Choka, in the amount you can handle. Or divide the roasted peppers accordingly in your containers. Wear gloves when cutting/handling the peppers. You may use any hot peppers you enjoy or can source.
NO I didn’t wash the eggplant as I only needed the insides, but the peppers were washed and air-dried before roasting. However if your eggplants comes with dirt on them, hose those suckers down!
Allow them to cool COMPLETELY before freezing! Save money and enjoy the convenience.
