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brown stew chicken
Meat & Poultry

The Ultimate Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken.

Throughout the Caribbean a version of Brown Stew or Stew(ed) Chicken will not only be found, but the technique or recipe for making said dish, will differ from island to island and home to home. As a Trinbagonian I never grew up seeing this dish made this way until I moved to Canada, at my Jamaican friend’s home and it was reinforced in my memory as I started to travel to Jamaica.

You’ll Need…

4 lbs chicken
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tomato (diced)
2 scallions (chopped)
1/2 medium carrot (julienne)
1/4 red bell pepper (sliced)
1/4 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
1/4 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (see note below)
1 1/2 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean browning
2 tablespoon tomato ketchup
3-4 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon jerk dry rub
8 pimento berries (allspice) 4 cloves garlic
3 slices Ginger
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 cups water
2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Notes! May I recommend that you watch the video below to follow along, as additional questions you may have will be covered there. I used a variety of colors of bell peppers, but you may stick to one color if that’s all you have. I sliced my scotch bonnet pepper as I enjoy my brown stew chicken spicy, should you want to hold off using a spicy pepper fell free to do so. Additionally you can add the scotch bonnet as you add the water to the pot to braise the chicken, but float the pepper whole and do NOT break it. Fish it out before you turn off the stove and discard. you’ll get the flavors from the oils on the skin of the Scotch Bonnet without the raw heat.

I used a 50/50 combo of drumsticks and thighs, bone in but the skin and most of the fat were removed. Season with the black pepper, salt, dry jerk rub, paprika, pimento berries (allspice), Caribbean browning, onion, soy sauce, carrots, scallions, thyme, bell peppers, garlic, ginger and scotch bonnet. Give it a good mix.

Allow it to marinate for at least a couple hours or overnight if you have the time.

After it’s marinated, heat the oil in a deep pot on a medium flame. Shake the marinade off the chicken pieces and brown in the hot oil. We’re not trying to fully cook the chicken, but to simply give it some color. Do it in batches so you don’t crowd the pot. Reserve all the marinade in the bowl.

Give them about 8-10 minutes, be sure to flip them so they brown evenly.

Once you’re done browning the chicken, remove (and discard) all but 1 tablespoon of the oil we started with and add back all the chunky vegetables etc we marinated the chicken with, into the pot. In the same bowl we marinated the chicken, add the water and swish around.

3 minutes later it’s time to add back the browned chicken to the pot (including any juices) along with the water from the bowl we marinated the chicken in.

As it starts to come to a boil it’s time to add the tomato ketchup and the diced tomato. Reduce to between a simmer and rolling boil (med/low heat) to fully cook the chicken. I didn’t cover the pot (while you could), as I wanted a thick gravy at the end. Be sure to stir every 4-5 minutes.

After about 15-20 minutes (depending on how big the pieces of chicken were that you used) the chicken should be done, so it’s time to personalize things.

Taste and adjust the salt to your liking and determine if the gravy is as thick as you’d like. Keep in mind that the residual heat from the pot will further cook this as it cools.

While my Jamaican friend’s granny recipe was a little different the knowledge I gained from her was a true blessing. Over the years I’ve changed things around a little to personalize the outcome to my liking. Be sure to warn your dinner guests about the pimento berries (remove them before serving if you can, along with the springs from the thyme and ginger slices).

So what makes this Jamaican Brown Stew? To be honest, the only real difference from the Stewed Chicken I grew up eating Trinidad and Tobago, is we don’t normally add browning to the marinade as we caramelize brown sugar in the pot to start and carrots and bell peppers are not typically included. For more flavors in your Brown Stew, add a bit of Caribbean Green Seasoning and a bay leaf or 2 won’t hurt.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Cabbage With Jerk Chicken.

Leftover Jerk Chicken! “can you explain this leftover Jerk Chicken ting Chris? I’ve never had such” One of the comments I received when I first shared this recipe on Instagram. The simple answer to this question is, no one in my home appreciates Jerk Chicken Breast. Usually when I make jerk chicken I use an entire chicken (usually 2) which I butterfly and the leftover jerk chicken breasts are used in stir-fry, fried rice, topping for salads, noodle dishes, dips and in this case, Cabbage with jerk chicken.

You’ll Need…

1 Small Cabbage (chopped)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Jerk Chicken (leftovers chopped into pieces)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 small carrot (match sticks)
1/2 bell pepper (sliced)
1 medium onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (smashed)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust)
3/4 tablespoon brown sugar

Notes! If doing this recipe gluten free please go though the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially take note of the jerk marinade you used in making your jerk chicken as many will have soy sauce and other ingredients which may contain gluten. My jerk chicken is always made spicy (until Zyair starts eating it), so to balance the heat, I added the brown sugar.

This is a very quick dish to put together so may I recommend that you prepare all of the ingredients in advance and please use the video below to follow along.

Heat the oil in a wide pan on a medium/low flame then add the pieces of jerk chicken and stir. This step will heat through the chicken and allow some of that jerk flavor to really stand out.

Once heated through (about 3-5 minutes) add the chopped cabbage (chopped to your liking and stir to coat with the jerk chicken flavor. It will wilt down as it cooks, so don’t worry too much about not having enough space in the pan.

Once the cabbage has wilted a bit, add the other ingredients and mix well.

You’re free to add any vegetables you like. Another reason for liking this type of dish.. you can clean out ends of vegetables you have in the fridge.

After about 5 minutes it’s time to personalize things. Once you’re happy with the doneness of the vegetables (I like a slight crunch), taste and adjust the salt.

Should you wanted to add a bit of soy sauce, more jerk marinade, a bit of Hoisin sauce or freshly chopped Scotch Bonnet for more heat, I’d do so as you were heating the jerk chicken at the start.

I used leftover jerk chicken breast (white meat), however any jerk chicken will work. All I suggest is to remove the meat off the bones first. While this is a CLASSIC side dish, my fav way to enjoy this cabbage with jerk chicken is as filler for sandwiches.

Meat & Poultry

How To Get A Rich Thick Curry Chicken Gravy.

Over the years I’ve shared many curry recipes, including ones where the main ingredient is poultry of some sort. However I’ve never addressed the mélange of struggles people tend to have in achieving a lovely thick sauce or gravy. This is NOT a Curry Chicken Recipe, but the focus is, getting you that ultimate curry sauce with your curry chicken.

May I recommend that you watch the video below to follow along, as the complete cooking of the curry chicken is covered and should you want a specific Curry Chicken Recipe << Click!

Season and marinate the chicken as you normally would.

On a medium flame, heat your oil (about 2 – 3 tablespoons) then add diced onion (large), garlic (9-12 cloves), 3 Pimento Peppers (diced) and 1 teaspoon black pepper. After a couple minutes, add a tablespoon of Caribbean Green Seasoning and stir well.

Once the onion is soft (about 4 minutes), add your favorite curry powder and cook for a further 3 minutes. In my case I added 3 tablespoons of curry. Be sure to stir so nothing burns. See the video where I share a tip on how to cut back on the amount of oil to use.

That step will bloom the spices which makes up the curry powder. With your heat still on medium, add 1 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil. This step is to cook out the ‘rawness’ of the curry.

Add 2 medium tomatoes diced, along with 2 scallions diced. Should you want to make the Curry Chicken SPICY, add your fav hot pepper. I added a Scotch Bonnet pepper.

As this cooks down, add 1 tablespoon of Anchar Masala (see your local or online West Indian supermarket). If you can’t source Anchar Masala, add Garam Masala or extra geera (ground roasted cumin).

The goal now is to burn off all the liquid to created a thick slurry. In the video I explained that you’ll need for it to go until you can see the oil we started with and you can path the curry slurry with your spoon or spatula.

It’s now time to turn up the heat to medium high and start adding your seasoned and marinated chicken to the pot. Stir well! While this will work with white and/or boneless chicken, I get he best results with dark bone-in chicken (leg and thigh).

Bring to a boil (yes it will spring it’s own juices), cover the pot, reduce the heat to med/low and cook for 7-10 minutes.

At this point, add 1 1/2 cups of water (add more if you want even more gravy) and bring back to a boil to finish cooking the chicken. Medium low heat will ensure you have a steady bubble. FYI.. When I marinated my seasoned chicken I included salt.

After about 8 minutes after adding the additional water, I added chopped Shado Beni and 1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera).

Time to personalize things. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking, make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through and decide if the sauce/gravy is to thick enough for you. Do keep in mind that it will thicken further as it cools. If you find that it’s runny, turn up the heat, lid off and cook further.

Tip! Try to use a heavy iron or glazed enamel pot, which will evenly distribute the heat.

By starting with the creation of the thick slurry at the start, you’re guaranteed to have a lovely curry sauce at the end.

Meat & Poultry

Stewed Chicken Liver.

Here’s yet another dish I’d never touch as a lil fella growing up on the islands, yet today it’s one of my favorite things to have with Dhal and Rice, with a side of Kuchela. We (my brother and 2 sisters) weren’t overly picky eaters as children, however we did make it a bit challenging for mom at times.

You’ll Need…

1 1/2 lb chicken liver
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2/3 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 tablespoon Mushroom Soy Sauce (any dark soy sauce)
1/2 medium onion (diced)
1 medium tomato (diced)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 teaspoon tomato ketchup
1 1/2 tablespoon chopped chives

Notes! Please use the video below to follow along as it’s loaded with tips which I may have missed to mention here. Additionally I’d like to mention that I washed the liver (after I cut into pieces) with the juice of 1/2 a lime and cool water. If doing this recipe gluten free, please go though the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements.

After having cut and washed the liver, it’s time to marinate it for 5 minutes with the Caribbean Green Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Ketchup and Soy Sauce. I used Mushroom Soy sauce, but you may use any dark soy sauce with success. Should you want to add a 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger, it will add a lovely flavor as well. Mommy would use Caribbean Browning sauce instead of the soy sauce, but my cupboard was bare… gotta make a trip to the Caribbean market soon.

On a medium heat, add the oil to a saucepan, followed by the onion and tomato. After 2 minutes, turn the heat to low and add the crushed garlic and cook for a further 2-3 minutes.

There’s no need to marinate the seasoned Chicken liver for too long. Once the onion is soft and tomato starts to melt, turn the heat back up to medium/high and add the chicken liver to the pan. Stir well. I added a splash of water (about 2 tablespoon) to the bowl I marinated the liver in to pick up any remnants of the marinade, then add it to the pan.

The liver will also release it’s own liquid, so may I recommend you don’t place a lid on the pan or we could easily over-cook the liver. That said, unlike some recipes you may come across which cook the liver until ‘pink’, I need mine cooked thoroughly.

Do remember to stir it a few times to make sure it cooks evenly.

After 5 minutes on that medium/high heat, it’s time to personalize things a bit. Decide if it’s cooked to your liking (cook longer if necessary), if you want gravy or not (mommy would do this dry), and taste and adjust the salt to your liking. At this point I added the chopped chives and cooked it for 2 minutes more to get rid of most of the liquid.

I find that finishing with the chives gives it a lovely garlic/onion flavor. But you can opt for parsley or Chadon Beni (culantro). Should you find it difficult to source Chadon Beni, you may use Cilantro (coriander). Keep in mind that it will further cook after you turn off the stove due to the residual heat in the pan.

You’ll notice that I didn’t use an Caribbean Sunshine (scotch bonnet), but you’re free to add some should you want a little heat in the finished stewed chicken liver. Add it with the onion and tomato at the start.

Meat & Poultry

Curry KFC.

Curry KFC! Yea, as a commentor on my Instagram Feed put it “Uncle Chris yuh running out of recipe ideas”. And while had he taken the time to watch the video, he’d never waste time with his comment. Yet for most I can understand the hesitation to take this recipe seriously. Well, until you gave it a test-drive in the kitchen.

You’ll Need…

2 tablespoon curry powder
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic (sliced)
1/4 medium onion (diced)
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 cup water (for the curry slurry)
1 teaspoon roasted geera (cumin)
5 medium potatoes (cut into smaller pieces)
3 1/2 cups water
4 leaves shadon beni (culantro)
peppers (optional) | 2/3 teaspoon salt
left over fried chicken (I used KFC)

Notes! May I recommend you watch the video below to understand the back story of this recipe and how my siblings and I grew up knowing this a regular part of mom’s repertoire in the kitchen. While I finished the dish with whole Bird’s Eye Peppers, you may leave that step out or should you want pronounced heat, add the pepper of your choice earlier in the cooking process cut into pieces. Should you not be able to source Culantro, cilantro (2 chopped tablespoon) will work.

In a small bowl create a slurry with the curry powder, onion, garlic, geera (ground roasted cumin) and water. Mix well to combine.

Heat the oil (any oil you prefer) on a medium flame, then add the slurry to the pot/pan, turn the heat to medium low as soon as it starts to boil and cook for 3-4 minutes, then turn up the heat to burn off that liquid until you get a thick paste and you can see the oil we started with.

At this point add the peeled/cubed/washed potatoes to the pan and stir well to coat. Add the water, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. At this point you’d add the salt as well. As explained in the video most commercial fried chicken will have a high sodium content, so don’t go too heavy with salt. We can adjust at the end.

After about 20 minutes on that medium/low heat the potatoes should be fully cooked and starting to fall part. Add more water should you notice that it’s overly thick or you need more time to cook the potatoes to tender.

Add the pieces of KFC (I cut each typical piece in 1/2 and they were all white meat pieces). Stir well to combine and for the chicken to soak up the lovely curry gravy.

At this point I added the bird’s eye peppers whole (do NOT break or it will heat up the dish) along with the chopped Shado Beni (culantro).

Basically all you need to do is to heat up the fried chicken pieces, so you’ll only need about 4-5 minutes. The two ways you can personalize the dish. Taste for salt and adjust to your liking. And you get to decide how thick you wat the sauce or gravy. If you find it’s a bit runny, using your spoon crush some of the pieces of potato. However it’s important that you remember that as it cools it will thicken further.

Mommy would serve this with hot Sada Roti for us… and we NEEDED a LOT of gravy.. soup-like really. We’d also complain if the Roti was thick!

Meat & Poultry

Quick And Simple Jerk Pork Stir Fry.

I luv me some Jerk Chicken, and while Jerk 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.

Meat & Poultry

Simple And Delicious Airfryer Chicken Wings.

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.

If you’re interested in the sauce I served these with – Amazing Avocado Garlic Sauce (for wings and fries).

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?

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Caribbean Curry Goat.

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 the Oven, 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.

Curry Stewed Chicken Wings in a red pot on the stove
Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Curry Stew Chicken Wings.

I originally shared a Curry Stew(ed) Chicken recipe back in 2009 and like the Caribbean Green Seasoning recipe I updated a couple days back, it’s now buried under hundreds of newer recipes. So while it’s not my intention to repeat recipes, you’ll find some subtle differences with this one, plus I had several requests for a ‘new’ version after I teased a video clip on Instagram.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs chicken wings (trimmed)
2 tablespoon curry powder
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust) | 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon tomato ketchup
1 Scotch Bonnet pepper (see note below)
1 1/2 tablespoon Grapeseed oil (see note)
1 1/2 tablespoon golden brown sugar
2 scallions (chopped)
1 tablespoon chopped celery leaves
2-3 cups water

Notes! I used an entire Scotch Bonnet pepper in the recipe as I enjoy spicy food. You have the option to use less or none at all. Additionally you may remove the seeds and white membrane from the pepper to cut back a bit of the heat. Yes, you can use any spicy pepper you enjoy or have access to. I opted for grapeseed oil since I was out of olive oil, however you may use any oil you like. Do note that we’ll start the dish on a high heat, so the smoke point of the oil you use may be a factor. 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 may contain fillers.

For best results, may I recommend seasoning the chicken wings (yes you may use other cuts of chicken with similar results) and marinate for at least 2 hours in the fridge.

Cut the wings into drumettes, flats and tips. You may keep the tips for making chicken stock.. I don’t. I’m from the Caribbean where we wash our meats, but that’s up to you (water and lemon, vinegar or lime juice) as I know we’ve been warned not to wash chicken. With clean, trimmed and drained wings in a large bowl, add the salt, tomato, curry powder (this is the curry element), black pepper, grated ginger, ketchup, onion, Caribbean Green Seasoning and Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Give it a good mix and into the fridge to marinate. Should you be pressed for time, you can start the “stew” process immediately.

I’ve included 2 videos below where you may find this ‘stew’ step better explained. In a heavy pot on a med/high heat, add the oil followed by the brown sugar. The sugar will melt, go frothy, then a deep amber in color. This is when you’ll carefully start adding the seasoned chicken wings to the pot and stir well. Should the sugar go black STOP, allow the pot to COMPLETELY cool , wash, dry and start back with new oil and sugar. Should it go black and you continue the finished dish will be very bitter tasting.

Turn the heat to medium/low, cover the pot and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. Natural juices will sprout up. At this point, remove the lid, crank up the heat and burn off that liquid. Add 2 cups of water to the same bowl you marinated the wings in and swish around to pick up any remnants of the seasonings. Once you can start seeing the oil we stared off with at the bottom of the pot, add the water and bring to a boil.

Once it comes to a boil, place the lid on slightly ajar and reduce to a rolling boil.

Should the water level be low and the chicken not fully cooked, add the additional cup of water to the pot. Twenty minutes later and your curry stew chicken wings will be fully cooked. It’s now time to personalize things. Taste and adjust the salt and decide if the gravy is thick enough to your liking. In my case I cooked it for a further 4 minutes to thicken up. But do keep in mind that the residual heat from the pot will thicken it further. So too when it cools.

Top with the scallions and celery leaves (use parsley if you don’t have the celery leaves) and turn off the stove.

Curry Stew Chicken Wings done! To recap and clarify as I know there are different versions of this curry-stew technique online and while I cannot find fault in the way people do their version, I must say that what I shared above is the original way in cooking curry stew. Basically you SEASON with the curry (powder) and STEW (caramelized sugar) to finish.

This is without any doubt, my fav way of enjoying wings – yes Buffalo Wings I said it. On it’s own or as a side to your fav carb.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Chorai Bhagi (Jamaican Callaloo) With Stewed Chicken.

Important! (save the hate)… I posted this recipe within the “Vegetarian” category as well. As explained in the video below, you may leave out the stewed chicken should you prefer for a fully vegan/vegetarian dish. With an abundance of Chorai Bhagi (aka, Jamaican Callaloo or Spinach) in my garden this year, naturally I could could not allow any to go to waste.

You’ll Need…

2 lbs Chorai Bhagi (prepared)
1 medium onion (sliced)
7 cloves garlic (smashed)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
2 tablespoon pure coconut cream
Leftover Stewed Chicken (Caribbean style)

Important! 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 needs. I used scotch bonnet pepper in the recipe, but you can leave it out should SPICY not be your thing. Additionally, you can use any spicy pepper you like or can access. Should you wish to add some diced tomato to the dish, it will add a lovely subtle flavor to things.

Wash and trim the leaves off the stems (I didn’t use any stems this time, but you can), then roll the Chorai into bundles you can handle and cut into ribbons 1 centimeter thick.

Heat the oil in a deep pot on a medium flame, then add the prepared Choria Bhagi to the pot and stir well.

Add the salt, black pepper, garlic and onion. Stir well!

It’s now time to add the coconut cream and scotch bonnet pepper should you decide to have the dish with a kick. Yes I kept the seeds.. trim off the seeds and white membrane around the seeds to control some of the heat (discard).

Remember to wash your hands with soap and water after handling such HOT pepper.

Place the lid on the pot and cook for 10 minutes. It will wilt and lessen in amounts.

Add the leftover Stewed Chicken, stir well and place the lid back on for another 5 minutes.

Here’s when you personalize things to your liking. Taste and adjust the salt and you need to decide if it’s as ‘cooked’ as you like. In my case I removed the lid and cooked it for a further 3 minutes to burn off the liquid at the bottom of the pot.

Luckily I had some Sada Roti in the fridge my mom sent us home with the last time we visited, but it’s also EXCELLENT with Rice or dumplings.

Comforting Beef Bone Soup
Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Comforting Beef Bone Soup.

Over the years I’ve shared about 30 + Soup Recipes and to be honest and frank, I’ve barely touched the surface when it comes to Caribbean and Caribbean inspired soup recipes. Such is our love for soups throughout the Caribbean. While this one is not your typical thick and ‘stew’ like variety you’d normally enjoy on the Islands, it is packed with deep Caribbean flavors.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs beef neck bones
3 tablespoon olive oil
2 large head garlic
1 large onion (diced)
2 stalks celery (chopped)
1 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
1 1/2 tablespoon concentrate tomato paste
1 tablespoon salt
8 sprigs thyme
2 thick slices ginger
1 scotch bonnet pepper
10-14 cups hot water
3 medium carrots (cut large)
5 medium potatoes (cut in half)
1 1/2 lbs pumpkin (large pieces)
1 small cabbage (cut in large pieces)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Notes. Be sure to get your butcher to cut the bones for you, as you will not be successful with your clever or large chef’s knife. Any beef bones will work, in my case the neck bones I used had a fair bit of meat on it. If you’re doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Wash the pieces of neck bones to remove any grit it may have from being cut on the band saw. Pat dry, then place in your roasting pan along with the garlic (skin on – I cut each head in half). Drizzle on the olive oil to coat everything.

Place a sheet of foil over the pan lightly and roast for one hour in the oven.

Remove the fat from the bottom of the roasting pan and place in your large soup pot on a medium/low flame. Add the onion, celery, 1/2 the black pepper, garlic we roasted (once cool, they will fall off the skin) and cook for 3 minutes. Then add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.

Add the roasted beef bones and stir well to coat. Then add the ginger, thyme (I tied them with string so later on they will be easier to remove) and float in the Scotch Bonnet pepper – DO NOT Break! Explained in the video.

Top with the water, turn up the heat to medium/high and bring to boil. Reduce to a gentle rolling boil. At any time you may watch the video below should you have any relating questions.

As it comes to a boil, add the carrots. Cook for 1 hours and 40 minutes. Then remove the ginger pieces, the thyme and at this point you will decide if you want to remove the Scotch Bonnet or break it to release the beast (heat). They’ve all done their respective jobs.

Add the pumpkin pieces along with the cabbage.

Bring the soup back up to a boil and cook for another 30 minutes or until the potato is tender. Please try to NOT over-stir as we don’t want to crush the carrot, pumpkin nor potato. The goal is to have a tasty broth with chunky pieces of vegetables.

At this point there may be pieces of bones where the meat fell off, you may remove those bones and discard. Taste and adjust the salt to you liking. The final step is to add the remaining black pepper and parsley. Turn off the stove.

TIP! You may add pieces of boneless pieces of beef (about 1 to 2 inches thick) to the soup at the start if you wanted (do not roast). And should you want an even more pronounced Caribbean flavor, add a tablespoon of homemade Caribbean Green Seasoning to the pot when you add the potatoes.

Enjoy a massive bowl of comfort!

Recipe Card

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 6
Diet:

Description

This hearty Caribbean beef bone soup combines roasted beef neck bones with a variety of root vegetables and traditional spices for a soul-warming dish that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Wash the beef neck bones to remove any debris. Pat dry and place in a roasting pan along with the halved garlic heads. Drizzle with olive oil to coat.

  3. Cover the pan lightly with foil and roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

  4. In a large soup pot, add the fat from the roasting pan and heat over medium-low flame. Add diced onion, chopped celery, half the black pepper, and the roasted garlic (skins removed). Cook for 3 minutes.

  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Add the roasted beef bones to the pot, stirring to coat. Add ginger slices, tied thyme sprigs, and the whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper (do not break).Add the roasted beef bones to the pot, stirring to coat. Add ginger slices, tied thyme sprigs, and the whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper (do not break).
  7. Pour in 10–14 cups of hot water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.

  8. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle rolling boil. Add the carrots and cook for 1 hour and 40 minutes.

  9. Remove ginger slices, thyme sprigs, and Scotch Bonnet Pepper (or leave for added heat). Add potatoes, pumpkin, and cabbage to the pot.

  10. Bring the soup back to a boil and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Avoid over-stirring to maintain vegetable integrity.

  11. Remove any bones that have separated from the meat. Adjust salt to taste. Stir in remaining black pepper and chopped parsley.

  12. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of meat and vegetables. Enjoy hot.

Note

Be sure to get your butcher to cut the bones for you, as you will not be successful with your clever or large chef’s knife. Any beef bones will work, in my case the neck bones I used had a fair bit of meat on it. If you’re doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

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Meat & Poultry

Fry Cornedbeef With Iceberg Lettuce.

There are many variations of making/cooking cornedbeef (from a can) in the Caribbean, making it easy to not know them all. Each family will have their version and while it may not be YOUR version, there’s no need to cornedbeef shame anyone (smile). There were mixed reactions from fans after I posted the video tutorial on YouTube (same video below)… mainly because they reacted to the title without watching the video where I explained why the use of Iceberg Lettuce and not the traditional cabbage.

You’ll Need…

1 can (tin) cornedbeef
1 medium onion (sliced)
1 medium tomato (sliced/diced)
1 teaspoon tomato ketchup
1 habanero pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 scallions (chopped)
1/2 medium iceberg lettuce (rough chopped)

Note! I didn’t start with any oil/fat in the pan to begin with nor did I add any salt to the recipe. I explain why in the video below. Should you not like spicy or prefer a different type of hot pepper, feel free to make adjustments. Optionally you may add thinly sliced or grated carrots, bell peppers and even frozen corn can make it’s way in here.

Place a saucepan (I used a non-stick) on a medium low heat and add the tin (can) of corned beef, then using a spoon or spatula, break it up into small pieces. I explain why in the video below.

Add the onion, tomato, ketchup, hot pepper of your choice (I used a habanero) and the black pepper. Give it a good mix to combine. Cook for 4-6 minutes on a medium low heat.

Toss in the scallions, stir and cook a further 2 minutes before adding the roughly chopped lettuce to the pot.

At this point my mom usually turns the stove off (after mixing in the lettuce) and allow the residual heat from the pot to finish things off. In my case I left the stove on for a further 2 minutes before turning it off.

Other options (besides cabbage and lettuce) are kale, spinach and/or Jamaican callaloo (chorai bhagi). The perfect topping for hot steamy rice or if you have the time, rock some hot Sada Roti. When all fails, there’s nothing wrong with everyday sliced bread as a side or for a sandwich.