After posting the geera pork recipe a while back, there were several emails from people who don’t eat pork wanting a different option. Though I’m a bit late with this geera chicken recipe, this one is for all the pork haters. Geera (aka cumin) is used to give this sort of bar food (similar to how you’d find tapas in Spain) a strong ‘spice’ base and the garlic, herbs and habanero (scotch bonnet peppers are normally used) pepper gives it that unique Caribbean kick. As I’ve mentioned in the past, geera is one of those few spices I just don’t appreciate, so this dish is not made often in our kitchen. Probably also explains why my love for Mexican food is very limited.
You’ll Need…
2 lb boneless chicken breast cubed
1 heaping tablespoon ground roasted geera powder (cumin)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 large onion
4 cloves garlic
1 habanero pepper (scotch bonnet or any hot pepper you like)
2 heaping tablespoon of chopped cilantro (stems and everything)
4 sprigs thyme
2 scallions
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 lime or lemon for washing the chicken
Notes. Traditionally Shado Beni is used instead of the cilantro, but it’s a good substitute when you can source shado beni. Chicken breast or white meat is notorious for being dry, but I assure you that it’s will be moist and very flavorful when done. However, if you wanted to use boneless dark meat (legs/thighs), that work great as well. Finally, if you wanted to use the whole geera seeds (cumin) and roast it in a dry pan on high heat, then grind… you’ll really heighten the overall flavor of this dish. But be prepared for your entire house to be encased in that strong roasted geera smell (too much for me personally).
Start by cutting the chicken into 1 inch cubes, then pour the lime or lemon juice over it. Give it a good stir, then rinse off with cool water and drain. It’s now time to season the chicken so we can allow it to marinate for abut 1/2 hour. In a large bowl, place the cubed chicken, salt, black pepper, diced scallions, chopped cilantro, chopped habanero or whatever hot pepper you have and the thyme. Give it a good stir and allow to marinate.
In a fairly deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil on a med/high flame, then add the sliced onion and garlic. Turn down the heat so you can cook this without it burning. Stir and cook until the onion is soft.. about 4 minutes. Now add the ground roasted geera to the pot and stir. it will go grainy and darker. That is normal. Make sure the heat is down to low and cook for 3-4 minutes. What we’re doing is allowing the roasted geera to toast and release it’s full bouquet.
Start adding the seasoned chicken to the pot and stir as you add. The idea is to coat all the pieces with some of that lovely sort of paste we created and to pick up all the bits from the bottom of the pan (similar to deglazing). Have the heat at med/high and now cover the pot. It will come to a sort of boil and star releasing some natural juices. This is when you’ll turn down the heat and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes. Check occasionally and stir as well. If for some reason there’s no liquid, add a bit of water to allow the chicken to fully cook.
After 10-12 minutes, the chicken should be almost fully cooked. Since we’re using chicken breast, we really don’t want to overcook this or risk it going dry. There should still be a bit of liquid in the pan, so it’s time to remove the lid and turn up the heat a bit. The idea is to burn off all that liquid and in doing so give the pieces of chicken a lovely coating of all the spice and seasoning we used. It should take about 3-4 minutes to completely burn off… you’re done!
If you’re having this as a snack while enjoying some beverages with friends, it’s enough for about 4 people and could easily stretch for 5-6 people as a side dish with dinner. The first time I had this, was with split peas dhal and boiled brown rice and it was quite tasty. You can certainly adjust the amount of geera and hot pepper you use to your own liking. I guess the same can be said for the salt as I know we all have a different tolerance for salt. Here’s a helpful video showing the entire cooking process for this geera chicken recipe.
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—0–>Winner Wanted!<–0–
It’s that time again! New for 2012 one lucky reader will win a spanking new copy of “Aroma – The Magic Of Essential Oils In Food And Fragrance“. A $45 value, will be shipped to the lucky winner the first week of February(we even pay the shipping cost). All you have to do is tell me what’s your favorite herb and why, in the comment section below and your name will be automatically entered to win. Yea.. it’s that simple.
There are two bonus ways you can have your name entered in the contest, giving you 3 chances at winning. Along with leaving a comment below, go to the Facebook fan page and/or the Youtube cooking channel and leave a comment there. I don’t care what your comment is, but it would be nice if you could tell me what you like about your favorite herb/s.
Here are the rules pertaining to winning the copy of “Aroma – The Magic Of Essential Oils In Food And Fragrance“”…
– contest is open to everyone globally (even if you won something here before)
– there are 3 ways to enter your name (see above)
– 1 winner will be chosen at random (if you left 3 comments, your name will be entered 3 times)
– contest is open from January 5 – to midnight January 31.
– winners will be announced within 1 week of the official close date.
– the winners will have 1 week to contact us with mailing address
– we will cover all shipping expenses (standard mail)
I hope you take a moment to enter your name as I’d really like to mail this book out to you. It’s simple, free and would make for a great addition to your cooking library.
Good Luck!
Based on 11 Review(s)
Good Day Chris,
After returning Home. I have started bring food back to work again. What everyone has stated is there is no food on this plant like Chris, We all have enjoyed it so much. The top thing everyone say is your videos. How step by step you have show how to prepare the food. How simply it is and the enjoyment that is shown in your face when cooking.
Now, here in this office of agents they agree on one thing.
YOUR COOKING
Can culantro be substituted for the cilantro?
Thanks.
Hi Chris, do you use regular store bought cumin or do you only use the authentic roasted geera (i.e Chief brand). Im wondering if the flavor is very different. Your thoughts please?
try to get the roasted. or get the whole grain, toast in a dry pan on low heat till fragrant.. then grind in a coffee grinder or with a rolling pin
instead of using boneless chicken breast can I substitute it for chicken neck instead?
that is actually the cut of chicken I’ve seen most people do geera chicken with. Bony, so it holds a lot of flavor. basically your fav cut of chicken will work.
I have an uncle that makes a wicked geera neck (chicken) and I am always to ask for the recipe and here it is your recipe of Geera Chicken. Thanks Chris.
Thanks Chris keep these recipes coming.
About 5 mins before finishing I usually add some ground geera to the chicken. That way you really get a nice flavor.
Thyme – One of the first herbs I can remembered smelling from childhood and, I now love using it with any meat,fish or vegetables dishes. A must, especially in my West Indian soups, which would not be “soup” without it, at least so says my daughters.
"Bandania" or chandon beni…I simply can't imagine cooking without it…
Favorite herb/spice….hmmm…..wow that is a really difficult one. I love to cook foods from all over the world. Hmm, I would have to say, my top five, curry leaf, kaffir lime leaf, coriander, cumin, and star anise. Sorry, I just coukldn’t narrow it down.
Garlic…garlic…garlic, the best and most delicious herb there is
by far.
Carmelo
Chris,hi my herb /spice, for almost any type of cooking is Cajun pepper, hot, toasted, or mild , depending on the taste you want. like most of your recipes, keep them coming, can't wait for the next one, cheers
Chris, it's not fair. I am not on facebook and I'm not signing in. Therefore, you would have to put the winner's name on your regular blog. Have a nice day.
I would have to say thyme. It adds a unique flavour to your pot and can be used in meats and peas. It also has a wonderful smell.
Flat leaf parsley is my favorite because it is sooooooooooooo versitile. You can use it on most anything. It makes bread dressing taste yummy, use it in place of boring iceberg, makes egg pizza super and you can add it to any jucing recipe for extra energy! I could go on and on but for the price and the flavor flat leaf parsley is by far the most versitile and superior in nutritional benefits of all herbs! I use it everyday.
I love my scallion/green onion adds flavour to any dish and also makes the dish look wonderful;)
I will definitely make this one, hubby will love this!
Hey Chris, Cindy here. I've sent countless texts to you, unfortunately every time, I seem to be having great difficulties with the e-mails going through. Well lets see, I'm interested in both your knives and the recipe book. It certainly would make a superb addition to my library. So, my dear, sign me up for the knives and herbs, lets see. I love all herbs, they're fantastic for food, however, I've to say fine thyme. There is the medium size and the very fine thyme-superb! They do a number on Caribbean dishes. They're the dare devil of the modern age. The large leaf thyme is really something also, it's splendid in curries and stews. We'll keep in touch. So do take care and looking forward to more recipes…..
TERISA.N.ALEXANDER
TERISA.N.ALEXANDER
My Favorite herb is Spanish Thyme. Because Spanish thyme is a powerful and very potent flavored herb which I enjoy the most. I find pleasure with great taste in my vegetables, meat, fish, salad, rice dishes, and to make a paste of green seasoning. And of course most important it is easy to plant in my garden.
TERISA.N.ALEXANDER
My Favorite herb is Spanish Thyme. Because Spanish thyme is a powerful and very potent flavored herb which I enjoy the most. I find pleasure with great taste in my vegetables, meat, fish, salad, rice dishes, and to make a paste of green seasoning. And of course most important it is easy to plant in my garden.
i want some of this, it looks great.
i must say Basil is my favourite herb i use it for Stomach cramps, vomiting, fevers, colds, flu, headaches.
Every piece of meat that I prepare is covered with oil containing bay leaf, thyme and oregano. I leave it over night and change it once a day.
My favorite spice is thyme. I love it especially on chicken. I'd like to think this is my time to win the cookbook Chris.
hey chris, i totally enjoy your recipies. Keep on sending them and i will keep on making them and eating them (lol). Garlic in everything makes life worth living.
Id love to get my hands on the cook book i think im ready for bigger things now. Oh yeah everybody if your from fl. like i am the best place to shop for fresh tasting vegetables is NEWYORK MART. Their greens are awesomely fresh.
i must say i was never really a fan of the kitchen until i started using your recipes…. thanks chris
My fav herb would be celery.
It's difficult to choose a herb cause Ilove so many.I will say parsley.Can be used in many dishes and it also has medicinal properties
hey chris, herb are really important in everyday cooking. And as a stay home mom i love to try new syuff , could you suggest some great red bean dishes. thank you.
Thyme – so versatile. Fresh is best.
Chris, this Geera chicken looks great. Can’t wait to try it. Really enjoy your emails and recipes. Thanks
My favorite herb would be rosemary. It’s great on lamb with BBQ sauce as well as chicken. Wonderful smell and full body.
I have to try this ,looks good….wow !!!
My favorite herb is bandanyah.I use it in all my fish and meat dishes….
It not a herb but i use alot of ginger with sage goes with everything.
Shado Beni gives your chicken a really great taste In Trinidad we do geera pigtail as well
Favourite herb is Shadon Beni especially in fish..oh yum….feeling for it already. Haven't really tried that many others so I would need some guidance there. Happy New Year by the way!
Thanks for the great recipes.
Wow! That geera chicken looks mouthwatering. Need to cook some up soon.
My favorite herb is Chandon Beni aka Shadow Beni because it can be used in basically any food (meat, callaloo), snack (dip for tortillas) and even my favorite, chow (mango, plum). Shadow Beni it is!
mY favarite herb is thyme.. Shadow beni it makes any pot taste like no other…I blend it and pour it in ice cubes freeze it and they freash as ever when cookin…especially a curry..
my ultimate favorite one is shadow beni , it adds a zip of flavor , and i just love the smell also it can be used to make a boss pepper sauce.
My favorite herb is definitely cilantrao, I could add cilantro to any and everything and it'll make my world right.
Will have to try ur version of geera chicken. I made geera lamb for xmas, using just salt, blackpepper, onion, hot peppers and geera. Tasted different from the usual.
One of my favorite herbs is lavender. I luv the smell and flavour!
Chris I am interested in the drawing and making this delicious dish.
My favorite herb is garlic. I love the way it enhance the flavor of many dishes.
Always interesting recipes. Never Bland : )
Hey Chris,
I'm always trying to send you emails on the offers and i keep getting failure to recepient. the latest one i send was for the cutting knife
If you do get this email please enter my name and let me know your correct email address
Nalini
I luv da coconut ice-cream recipe
Love trying your recipes and my family loves being taste testers. Keep them coming. Would love to win the book.
Thanks
Cloves take the lead for me
Love your recipes and would really
Enjoy a copy of your book. Thanks
i love tyme, ilove the arome its just beautiful and am jamaican so u know we put tyme in our rice& peas and our meats its great for seasoning i just love it.
Hello Chris, my favourite herb is thyme. It enhances the flavour of meat and other spices depending on the quantity used at each setting. In fact it is a main character in the seasoning of any meat (Jamaican style of course); The others being escallion, garlic, salt, black pepper and onion. It is also versatile in that it can be used in a variety of dishes from: seasoning batters such as "saltfish fritters" (yum!); seasoning rice dishes to making a hot beverage or "tea" as we call it here in Jamaica. It is also a proven muscle relaxant. Thyme is also very hardy in that it can be used fresh or dried and the dried stems can be rejuvenated by passing it quickly through a flame.
Chris! Remember me for the book!
Chris, this was awesome, my family loved it served with their favorite Jasmine rice and cabbage. please enter me in the contest for the cook book this would be a great addition to use with my boys who are gettting very good at cooking as well. have a blessed day,
Chris, another great recipe, that's all I can say
I am so happy I found your website!! My favorite herb is Garlic, it makes everything tastse better.
hi my favourite herd is basil because its a good souce of vitamin A, it also has a lovely smell and very good as a herbal tea, for cramps, constipation and it can also relieve indigestion.
Chris, if I was stranded on an island and only had one herb to season with it would be chando beni. Its my favorite seasoning and with limited resources being stranded I would be using it to make a delicious soup. Keep those great recipes coming!
Hi Chris. I really like your site. Whenever I am looking for something different to prepare I always come here. Keep up the good work. My favourite herb is chives. It is so versatile and adds great flavour to pasta, cheese sauces etc.
Hi Chris,Thanks for all the great recipes,my favourite herb is basil, I use it in most of my dishes roast pork,salads,stews,it also helps to relax you body for a good night sleep,when used as a tea
Hey Chris it's E again still rubbing my rabbits foot for that book. & I can't wait to try your recipes
My favorite herb is Curry leave. The smell is unique. It is a pity it is so difficult to find.
Curry leaves can be found in any indian grocery market or superstore. In canada on Gerard street there are many options to find curry leaves. I agree they are very flavourful. nan
Small Leaf Thyme! My favourite herb is this little powerhouse because it packs a powerful punch to fish, poultry and any type of meat. This little herb also grows rapidly without much care and gives a wonderful aroma to any novice's kitchen.
My husband and & I enjoy cooking with a variety of herbs. We grow them in the garden in summer and in winter using grow lights.
please enter me for the cook book.
My favorite herb is thyme. I love this herb because it can be used not only to season meats, but it also makes a lovely cup of tea. All you need to do is place about two leaves in a pot of water to boil and then sweeten.
Love all the recipes can’t wait to try some
Chris I love all your recipes, i cook with shadowbenny and thyme. Thanks for all the wonderful recipes. I would like to get your cookbook.
Cilantro, love the smell and the taste.
Cant wait to preview the book!
Hi…. I'm the queen of herds and if it's fresh the better! My favourite is shadon beni which goes with any dish! I can go on and on about the flavour , what it's good with and so forth… I can really do with a recipe book and hope I win! Thanks
Favourite herb would have to be fresh broad leaf thyme.
got to try it ty
Thyme is my favorite herb especially in rice
my kids love this
Thyme is my favorite herb my pot smiles when thyme gets in it.
Then a chain reaction occurs because the kitchen starts
smiling as well. Of course if your pot and kitchen are smiling
you have one happy cook.
Happy new year chris, i tried some of your recipes and so far it taste very good, so keep it coming. Sometimes just watching the pictures of the food it makes my mouth water
hi chris happy new year i tried alot of your recipes and they are tasting good so far so please continue sending, sometimes just watching making my mouth water
Curry…it’s aroma and flavor are both delicate and strong, like me.
I will have to say that my favorite herbs are garlic and thyme, using these herbs brings so much flavor to the food!! I love it! Hope I will be the chosen one to win.
this is the best… truly represent West Indian cooking.. great recipe Chris 🙂
Entry for chance at winning a cookbook.
I will be trying this on the weekend…. Don’t forget to send me my cookbook Chris. I’ve been waiting to win one.
My favorite herbs are the wonderful pair of Rosemary and Thyme. It gives my meats a nice fresh herbal taste. It wakes up the meat dishes with ease and don’t over power the natural taste of the meat and the aroma is just mouth watering as if the pair are dancing thru the house releasing their mesmerizing scent!
Hi Chris
It goes without saying – my favourite herb is Chadon Beni – man I just love that flavour and aroma when you cook with it. I use it in practically every dish I cook – it brings out that extra 'something' in your food and cooking without it just doesn't cut it for me. I even use chadon beni pepper sauce and make the pesto using oilive oil, garlic, pepper and salt which makes a great compliment to your dishes and can also be used as a spread for crackers and crisps. Kudos for this fantastic herb. Goes great with your curry chicken. Keep those yumdelicious recipes coming.
I love yoyr recipies, I was wondering can you prepare some chicken in a diabetic friendly way.
that would wow our palettes.
cant cook without shadow beni and garlic
Thanks Chris for the Geera Chicken Recipe. My favourite herb is chadon beni and spice is ginger These two just add wonderful flavours to foods,
I love rosemary on chicken.
My favourite herb has got to be
Coriander/cilantro. It smells so fresh and goes great on anything!
Im east indian and add it to all my dishes but use it pretty much in anything else i cook too!
So aromatic and light, but adds the perfect touch to anymeal!
My favourite herb is parsley…..i can't cook without it….i love your recipes…keep cooking Chris.
Mmm, cilantro is probably my fave also. Especially to top off a nice spicy dish. But I’m always open to trying new spices, herbs and flavours.
I think it's an herb… bay leaf. The strong silent herb. 🙂
My favorite herb is Chadon Beni
I can't wait to try it.
AbsOlutely love this mouth watering recipe
Thanks chris
Michael here. I'm not into the hot pepper stuff so I'll try this with a mild pepper and put it alongside the cinnamon plantains!
My favorite spice is shadow beni, it leaves the pot with a great aroma.
I have to go with Culantro! I put it in everything!! Put it in my beans, chicken, even salsa! 🙂
Thyme is my favorite herb. Quite a distinct flavor.
My favorate herb is Coriander. It adds a fresh and viburemt flavour to any sauce or meeays. Throw in some chopped coriander just before you serve a curry and the whole dish brightens up!!
Scott
love garlic, and also basil use both in almost all of my cooking. Especially garlic. Would love to win the cookbook. Thanks
Rosemary is my favorite herb as it`s a all year rounder, yes great with lamb but also goes well with fish.
If you have a plant or two in your garden, then it`s great for burning a few sprigs while cooking on the Bar-Be-Q aa it gives a great aroma that you`ll always remember those warm summery afternoon/nights.
I`ve also used it in Chris`s recipe when the thyme run out and it was still fabulous and tastey!
Nice recipe Chris, I`ll give this ago tonight…and thank`s.
My favourite herb is thyme, one reason is that everytime I use it takes me back to my childhood my mum cooking curried boiling chicken for our Sunday lunch. My job the night before was to blend and mix all the ingredients into the chicken. My mum would ask my father to go get some thyme from the garden, it always smelled so lovely and strong unlike the ones in packets. I still get my thyme from my dads garden today even though I live 135 miles away. I stock up when I visit! It's such a versatile herb it's great in chicken curry, rice and peas and so many dishes I love it mixed in butter,black pepper , salt and lemon rubbed over a whole chicken and roast yum, yum. I also like it on my window to get the aroma in my home. X
anything with ginger makes me happy
I love the versatility of thyme. Use in any meat for great flavour.
Thanks Chris for the wonderful recipes. I will continue to enjoy cooking with you in 2012.
Cheers
I love the herb grown in Barbados which is called "Broad Leaf Thyme". I dont know it by any other name . I have had a plant growing in a pot in my living room for the past two years. It does not like the cold. I have tried to find out the batanical name and no one knows about it. I use it for seasoning, put it in stews and even in rice while it is being cooked. Hope you can help me with another name for this herb. I can send you a pic if you wish. Thanks. Yes. we are a day ahead of you .
Alf in Trinidad we call it Spanish Thyme or Podina, hope that help.
BAndanya…….when I was a little girl, my gma would send me almost everyday in the backyard to pick the leaves from the ground….I hated doing it…not knowing that one day I myself would adore this plant, that gives my food that special flavor.
Shado beni…….an all time favorite in Trinidad. I now reside in Canada, and I have been cooking without if for years,( I so appreciated when someone would come from back home and bring me some), but I recently found it at oceans and I always have it stocked in my fridge…..
Coriander. Livens up the taste of food. Great in mom’s soup.
My favorite herb at the moment is African Blue Basil. Yes, it's basil and can be used in all the ways that "regular" sweet basil is used. However, I also enjoy growing my own herbs and this one is particularly nice. It's a perennial basil and so it doesn't die at the first hint of cold. That alone makes it a favorite. Also, it is a steril plant and can only be grown from cuttings, since it doesn't set seed. That means I don't have to keep the flowers clipped off. The leaves keep their wonderful scent and flavor even when the plant is in full bloom. It attracts honey bees and butterflies… and releases a heavenly aroma if you happen to brush against it. I use African Blue Basil in any dish that calls for common basil. My single plant is about 3 feet tall and almost as wide, in spite of the fact that I keep taking cuttings from it to start more plants.
And I like fresh thyme almost as much as my basil. The plant itself isn't nearly as lovely but the flavor the leaves add to most dishes is wonderful.
Edna — SW Florida
garlic is my favourite herb i use it in all my dishes i would not think about cooking if i dont have garlic apart from the taste it has this flavourfull aroma and its is so natural that it blends into any dish without being overpowering i also use it as a tea to settle my stomach sometimes. How i loooooove my garlic.
hi chrie,
as always your recipes are heart warming,i enjoy making them and sharing your recipies with friends. keep sharing them with us and may god bless you and keep you.
My favorite spice is fresh thyme. I just started using it myself since I been cooking your recipes, however, I have loved it since eating at a Jamaican resturamt. The taste is unexplainable! I added it to just about every dish I cook. Apparently i'm not the only one who loves it, since the store runs out of it fast! Thanks for the awesome recipes!
Hey Chris hope things are well with you and the family. I’m submitting my request to enter in the contest for the knife. i didn’t get the right link when you sent it to me. The link directed me to the youtube video on how to cook plantains.
Shadow beni!
In the states I’ve reverted back to the cilantro but I love it on so many thing.
It makes thing taste so fresh. In Trini I used2love & hate wen the yard wuz cut. It smelled so good in the air but I knew dey run over my shadow beni. 🙁
Chris all your recipes remind me of growing up in Trinidad, my favorite herb is bandanya or shado beni as is called. I use it in every thing I cook, also in my version of a Trinidad salad cucumbers, tomatoes, gallick and hot peppers. I also put it in my special hot sauce for raw Oysters on the shell, its a flavour thats truly Trinidadian/ Carribean.
I think if I have to chose a favorite herb I would say "chives" because I use it in just about everything!!! I looked at the title of the book and my first thougth was "sesame oil". I just love to sprinkle some over my chinese dishes when they have finished cooking and the heat of the food sends the aroma into the air. YUMMY!
My favorite herb is a toss up between shadow beni and thyme. I love the unique flavor they add to dishes, especially shadow beni. Here in the US shadow beni is not readily available though, so I have to substitute with cilantro, which is not as good, but I guess it works well enough.
Love the recipes hope to win this year book will be a prize, I am going to try this one for sure have to sya never use cilantro before, and like how you put in there lime for washing the Chicken, 🙂 I tired tell some peeps that they must wash the Chicken before seasoning or cooking in a nice way ofcourse 😉 Happy 2012 to all.
my favorite herb is fresh bay leaf …its not over powering
an
my favorite herb is bay leaf …its not over powering so u can add it in most of the recipes ..i know i do!!!!
Hi Chris, my favourite herb is shadowbeni or cilantro if I can't get shadowbeni. I use it in almost every meat and fish dishes. it adds a nice flavor to food. I even use it in scrambled eggs.
even though i'm a new comer to the site your recipes look just yummy, would also like to win the book so fingers crossed 7 good luck to all who enter.
my favourite herb is corriander, it suits almost everything & anything,it has a lovely flavour & smell that really gets the taste buds going.
my favorite herb is rosemary, cuz the flavor is just amazing !!!
Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Chris! My house smell like cumin! I cooking this this afternoon 🙂
Love all your recipes, Thanks!
I love fine thyme because you don’t have to use much and it adds great flavour to your food!!! 🙂
(it also smells great)
hope to get the book
My favourite herb is tarragon. It's great on fish and have a wonderful fragrance.
hi chris happy new year, i have tried alot of your recipes and i have got rave reviews, please continue with the RECIPES
I'd have to say cilantro too. Fresh taste… immediately recognizable… can be used in almost any meat- or fishdish! Love it!!!!
Cilantro, but it's kinda of a lie I love them all equally. 🙂
my favorite herb ,that would be shadow beni
I love geera chicken , can't wait to try it.
my best herb is thyme… it flavors anything and give any recipe magic…. not too powerful and brings out the taste of anything
By far my favorite herb is rosemary. It is most versatile, adding a unique aroma as well as taste to everything from hearty meats (particularly pork) to delicate fish to vegetables to sauces and dressings. There is probably even a possibility of adding it when making ice cream. Even my dog likes rosemary.
Favorite herb – weed. oops, sorry wrong page. Just kidding. Fav – Chadon Beni (chado beni) or culantro. Love it as a sauce on the side of every dish. If you gotta ask why, then you don't deserve to know! 🙂
Cilantro–tastes great with everything!
Love your recipes…it is difficult to pick a particular herb or spice as they all have different functions in different recipes. But the one herb i like to add to just about anything is cilantro. It has a truly distinct aroma and flavor and makes everything tastes that much better.
Hmm…that's a hard one to answer! However, I guess I'd have to say marjoram because my grandmother cooked with a lot (always on pork), and the taste brings back memories of her and her fabulous food.
always loved gera pork but the gera chicken was excellent
Thanks for the recipe…
Hi Chris, I absolutely love this website!!! My favorite herb is thyme. The reason thyme is my favorite it adds a very powerful taste without being very present in your food. For example I love ginger has a great taste, but if you add too much it really makes itself known. Thyme doesn't have the effect, at least not with my experience. Also, you can use it with almost everything!!
Oh by the way Chris, did I mention I tried out your pastelle recipe and………………………. IT WORKED!
The 'doe' part would never safisfy me [and I've tried many a recipe].
Thanks much again.
I honestly cannot remember a time when I am not grteful for all your recipes Chris.
Thanks for this one. 🙂
I have no favorite, I love them all each has its own distinctive taste and aroma… they’re all my friends
love trying so many of your delicious recipes! They are absolutely great! Love the format in which they are presented! Please keep them coming!
I love Basil. I love is fresh on almost anything, and I grow it inside my home close to the kitchen so I can have it all the time!
I love Cilantro it has a great taste to almost anything you add it to and makes everything taste so fresh and earthy…
I love using chandon beni & garlic to my dishes! It always gives it that unique taste!! Can’t cook without those 2!
I love time, the big leaf time. It made ever thing taste good. Shadow beni is another one I love. You can enhance a dish with those and be happy.
Cilantro is my favourite because it has such a strong and interesting flavour
look good
My favorite herb would have to be parsley!!
My fav herbs are Big Leaf Thyme and Chadon Beni, you can’t make good Trini food with out it
I've just read this at work and am going to cook up a storm when I get home.
Love love love cumin 🙂
I would love to win this book. I was raised in Trinidad for 15 years and I regret not learning how to cook their food which i love so much. So now that I am in my 40's I am trying to learn how to cook like a real island person. I love how you show step by step it makes it so easy
Hi Chris!!! Wow- I have so many favorite herbs and spices- I don't know which to pick. I guess I would pick any of the peppers- red, black, white, green, lemon pepper- I have all of them and use them all often. Pepper can be added to pretty much anything- I have a great Chocolate Cake recipe that includes jalapeno peppers!! I just love the spicey heat of pepper added to almost anything- it's awesome!!! I've always said you can never add to much pepper!!! I have a lime, chile, and pepper seasoning that is way awesome!!
I love so many herbs it'd be hard to pick just one, so I'll pick three and post them on each of your pages. 🙂 My first favorite herb is cilantro. I can eat it straight! Some people say that they can't stand the smell of it but I love its fresh aroma. I love to mix it in salsas or marinate with it. I'm sure there is a drink that has it in there and I want to know it! I love the green sauce that you make with it Chris- I've made that with your curries-so delish!
My favorite herb is thyme. I use it in all meat dishes and for stuffing as well. It is great on fish too.The thick leaf thyme comes in a close second, but not as versatile. Since I share your dislike of cumin, you might find that one a bit strong.
Liddy
i have 2 of them; sage and celantro. both of these herbs bring out an extra kick in all recipes.
my wife uses both alot in soups;meats; and veggies,
thanks for the great recipes!!
My favorite herb is time,smell good with every dish
I like the fact that your pictures are clear. The step by step process is also easy to follow.
I used a couple recipes on the holiday season for the homemade gifts I gave this year.
I lots of thank-yous so sharing the thank-yous with you too.
Oh yea and I forgot the almighty star anise, couldnt make Pho soup without it. So many herbs in my pantry and so little time to be able to use them all, but they are all incredible
Hi Chris, Wow a favorite herb, now thats not easy to determine, cilantro, parsley, oregano, thyme and onion are all a must if your making anything tomato. Ginger and garlic of course goes with everything almost. Bandanya and tarragon when I am roasting goat, Smoked Paprika when making Hungarian goulash is a must. However when I am making a good sausage fennell, dill, corriander and cummin have to be used. All of the herbs are my favorite because of their distinct taste, texture and colour that they give the dishes they are used in. Could you ask a simpler question for a simpler mind like mine.
Hey Chris,very nice dish here!!yes the roasted geera grains will fill the entire house with its strong scent but you what!!! its worth it,the falavour is soooooooooooooyummy.My favourite herb is also the famous shadon beni.I use it in almost anything I am cooking.Used in seasoning fish shrimp and chicken !!! wow!!! it makes a mouth watering effect on you.once again Chris keep the recipes coming!!! Happy cooking for 2012!!!!!!!
Thanks Chris. Keep up the good work, good recipes, good food.
Thanks Chris. Keep up the good work, good recipes, good food.
Happy New Year.
I also tried the geera chicken but i used the whole chicken and cut it up into small pieces.
Everyone loved it and they licked all ten fingers.
My favourite herb s shado beni because you can use it for many different recipes.the leaves to mak a l It brings out the natural flavours in the foods.
I also use it to cure my cold by pounding to make a liquid. I then drink it and i bring up all the cold. It works great.
I Love receiving your recipes, and I would love a recipes book with more..
Keep the recipes coming!
I just love shadow bennie. The aroma is mouth watering and tantalizing to your senses.Also pimento peppers. It's just wonderful in your seasoning.
I tried your sweetbread recipe and it came out great even though i substituted white flour for whole wheat flour and added more milk because of the change in flour.
I LOVE GARLIC.IT IS SO VERSATILE. IT CAN BE USED IN ALMOST EVERY SINGLE DISH, AS A FLAVOUR ENHANCER OR JUST FOR SEASONING MEATS ITSELF. ITS HEALING AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES ALSO MAKES IT ALMOST INDISPENSIBLE IN THE KITCHEN.
Garlic is my favourite herbs. I enjoy using it because it can be used in many dishes to enhance it's flavour and also it has the bonus benefit of offering healing powers.
Chris have a boo-nonoonos , I absolutely love French thyme..it is fragrant and adds a unique flavour to dishes.
I especially love it in my version of fragrant rice.
i don't eat pork , and using the chicken was great thank you
thank you for taking the time to help us be better
Love all your recipes. Great site.
my favorite herb is thyme, its the perfect addition to all the things I enjoy eating most which are soups, stews, meats, eggs and tomato dishes….. Nothing like the taste of fresh thyme in a tomato sauce with spaghetti and meat balls
Hi Chris i really love ur recipes and have cooked a few that tasted great.
I still miss the WI 🙂
I use a lot of Basil, because of the lovely AROMA and it makes what ever dish you are making taste delicious. KEN
Cannot wait to try this.
My favorite herb is Bandanya or Chadon Beni or Shado Beni. Nothing Trini should be made without it! Pelau, curry, ochro and rice, soup (s) – you name it, you can put some Shado Beni in it and bring the flavor to a new height. I find it goes exceptionally well and is the perfect complement to coconut – do if the recipe calls for coconut milk – add some shado beni to it. Since moving to North Carolina we had to search high and low to find ut. Eventually we found some plants at (of all places) Walmart! We immediately bought 3 and now 2 years later they are my pride and joy. In winter I might forget to bring in the poinsettias (like i did just before Christmas this year) but never ever forgot to bring in the Shado Beni.
I wish I could find some plants here in Canada. I will try Richter's herbs to see if they will add it to their list. They even do a variety of the thick leaved thyme that is so popular for making green seasoning.
Hi Chris: Looking at this video makes me hungry. I am diffinitely going to try it. Thanks for the recipe. Also, enter my name in your book contest. Have a very successful 2012.
my favorite herb is Thyme …spanish and french…it allows the cook to pay homage to the original taste of what we as West Indians considered to be good food. Both my Grandmother and my father appointed me the official taster …having the responsibility of achieving the balance for the completed dish ….was awesome and developed my taste memory beyond question. No over salting or pkg flavoring in our kitchen.
My favorite herb is Shadow Beni. It brings out the flavor in all your dishes and it has a great taste. You can cook with it, misx it in chow, make chutney with it or add it to flavor pepper sauce. It is such a greatcompliment to all the dishes. You can't go wrong.
I don’t cook with alot of oregano, but it’s my favorite herb in the world for health. When a cold or flu is coming on, about 5 drops into a little orange juice and it either chases it away or cuts the healing time. I believe in oregano 150%.
Favorite herb? Wow, a hard one. There's so many that are good! But the one that has become a staple for us is cilantro. We do a lot of Latin cooking in our home, and even when we don't, we sometimes add cilantro for a little extra bite. 🙂
My fav herb is thyme. I love the distinct flavor it offers to my curry dishes and my seafood paella. Nothing like it!
Hello Chris and thank you sooo much for your excellent recipes !!! Your question is a hard one because I do love my herbs….I think I`ll have to choose thyme for the variety but mostly because the aroma is a reminder of when my Trinidadian husband cooked for us. He has passed away 20 yrs ago ( Jan 16 th ) 3 days before our first grandchild was born.
I love to cook and try a lot of your recipes and never disappoint willing tasters…Happy 2012 to you and family, Christine
OMG!!! I have many buuuut I have to pick I would say lavender and vanilla. I just LUV the way they smell and it tastes AWESOME in creme brulee!
This looks delicious! Will need to give it a try.
My favorite herb is parsley. It just gives a nice taste to just about anything!
I absolutely love Shadon Beni! It gives everyting that you cook this special trini flavour 🙂 Definitely like no other!
Chris, thanks for washing the chicken with lemon or lime. We clean our chicken – removing extra fat – very well before cooking and definitely need the lemon to cut the "freshness". Trinis know what I mean.
And my favourite herb is thyme – the caribbean thyme we get from Nicey's is so much more aromatic and fragrant and really adds flavour to any dish. For marinating, seasoning, or adding a finishing fouch, it's indispensible.
Hi Chris and a happy new year to you. I’m looking forward to more meals cooked together and I must say posting it on Youtube is fantastic for those that have no idea what to do for dinner.
My favorite herb is Tarragon. Can't wait to try your pork recipe. Will probably not use the tarragon in it. LOL.
My favorite herb is cilantro. I buy a bunch when I am making Sopa de Lima. Since the recipe only calls for three sprigs, I freeze the rest. I pat it dry, after washing and then freeze it flat in a freezer bag. Comes out great for in cooking.
My favorite herb is shadow benni…it has this exoctic smell…its devine to season food with and to make chow with…just talking about has my mouth watering
I love using cilantro. It has a variety of uses and seems to be such a widely used herb herb in quite a few countries. Besides the common uses of adding it enhancing flavors it also makes for a great garnish either by using just the leaves or the whole sprig.
I would love to know how to use the right herbs to compliment and add aroma to whats on the menu
My favourite herb is lemon thyme as it leave a fresh tang and aroma whenever I use it plus the woodiness of regular thyme 🙂
send me that book!
Hi Chris,
I really look forward to getting your recipies by e-mail. Keep up the good work. The food is excellent.
Thanks so much and hoping you have a great New Year.
I tried this recipe and it was so easy. my family really enjoyed it
looks great
My newly favorite herb is celery seed… It's unique concentrated celery flavor gives a surprise pop when bitten into. It can be used in almost anything. I recently used it when making fried chicken and my family loved the new tasted. It is now my "secret ingredient"… I love it!
i love the greera chicken send me more i need that free cook book thank u
My favorite herb is chadon beni! It has such a great flavor and is found everywhere. It’s THE Trini herb.
My favorite -can’t do without- herb is parsley
My newly favorite herb is celery seed… It’s unique concentrated celery flavor gives a surprise pop when bitten into. It can be used in almost anything. I recently used it when making fried chicken and my family loved the new tasted. It is now my “secret ingredient”… I love it!
My favourite herb is Ginger. Because it medicinal add a nice flavour to meat and fish. Suitable for desert and makes fantastic drink on hot days.
I grate hte ginger ,add water and let it sit overnight. Or add hot water . Then I strain the ginger. To the extract i add pear or cola essence, sugar, lemonjuice or citirc acid. optional i add pineapple (fresh or chunk or juice ) and more water to dilute the extract. I mix evrythig together add ice, ready to drink on a hot carribean day.
The residue I freeze and use to stew or season meat with.
I make some nice ginger syrup to pour on the ice cream .
Or I make hot tea with it for the kids when they have flu.
And for a lot more to much too mention.
Garlic is one of my favourite herbs. I enjoy using it because it can be used in many dishes to enhance it’s flavour and also it has the bonus benefit of offering healing powers.
I can taste this already…looks so amazing!!
hi cris
i tried your recipe and i have found it to be so fast and easy to prepare,you have made my cooking enjoyable now that i found your site keep up the good work
Chris, this recipe looks yummy. I was just wondering what the theory is behind washing the chicken at the beginning with the lemon or lime. I've not heard of that before.
As for my favorite herb it would have to be Chives. They must be fresh, no dried stuff for me. I use them in so many dished and love them in egg, tuna, chicken and salmon salad sandwiches. I have them growing all around my property and it's the 1st herb to pop up in the spring. Now if I could only master growing them indoors, I would be real happy.
Hi Marilyn,
The chicken is a very Caribbean thing. The lime ensures that any germs present, from the previous handling of the chicken, are destroyed before cooking.
My favourite herb is basil because it gives my dishes a fresh spark! It also makes my garden smell very nice
Hi Alice,
Washing the chicken is a very Caribbean thing. The lime ensures that any germs present from, the previous handling of the chicken, are destroyed before cooking.
My favorite spice is paprika either hungarian or sweet, i like it for the flavor and the color it can bring to most dishes. Good w/ almost all cultural dishes. As far as herbs i'd go w/ Thyme, i just like the smell of it and works well w/ soups too
My favourite, and I mean favourite, herb to use is fresh parsley. I love it with fresh tomatoes, I toss it with my salads, I love to sprinkle it on roasted garlic, cream cheese, tomatoes, a pinch of salt, olive oil and put in on toast. I love the smell of it when I’m cutting it up; it’s so earthy and clean. I don’t know how else to put it. ‘sigh’ I just love it! When my husband is going to the market, I phone just to remind him about the parsley, and he always say that next time I’m the one going to the market 🙂 Though that ‘next time’ never comes; maybe he’s afraid that all I’ll buy is parsley :). Next to it is chives, but parsley is it for me…I have some fresh bunch ziplock in my fridge.
My favourite herb is Bandanya or Chadon Beni or Shadow Benny as it is called. It is a very pungent and poweful herb used as seasoning. It’s delicious and is used for everything in Trinidad dishes (curries, stews, chutney sauces etc.) (I am from Trinidad)
It is also used in traditional medicines for fevers and chills, vomiting, diarrhea. The leaves and roots are boiled and the water drunk for pneumonia, flu, diabetes, constipation, and malaria fever. The root can be eaten raw for scorpion stings and in India the root is reportedly used to alleviate stomach pains.
The leaves themselves can be eaten in the form of a chutney as an appetite stimulant.
These are the reasons why this herb is my favourite.
I like Parsley, as I love salads and drop a few in or use it as garnish. I also like it because after a heavy garlic dish (love garlic bread) I can chew on a little for fresher breath if needed (aside from brushing my teeth and using mouthwash!lol)
I'd love to have one of these Chris. I am slowly trying out some of your recipes but they all look sooo good
My Favorite herb is Bhandhanya (Shadow Beni). It is a herb that is renowned in mostly all Trinidadian (West Indian) dishes. Without it there is something missing. It brings the food to life! Simply put – You's not a real Trini if you don't cook with it…..
By the way… I tried this gerra chicken … it was BOSS!!
I also did it with scallops…. that was even better!!
My favorite herb is scallion .These wonderful scallions could be used in soup, noodle and seafood dishes, as well as sandwiches, curries or as part of a stir fry.
The Geera Chicken is becoming a favorite dish so thanks for the recipe .
Chris, you need to put all your recipes in a book. Your stew chicken is one of my favourites.
this is great i think i will try it.
My favorite herb is basil. Basil adds a nice green color and taste to certain foods. you can't use it in EVERYTHING but it is well worth it when you are cooking certain stuff and not sure what it needs. 🙂
Oh this one is easy, my favorite herb is fine thyme!!! I use it in everything almost to the end of the cooking process. It's such a flavorful light aromatic that adds so much extra flavor to any dish be it italian, curry, stew etc. After frying chicken I also pull some off the stem and sprinkle it over the hot fried chicken, it add a very different depth of taste. I love my some fine thyme!
This look delicious! Cant wait to give it a go 🙂
looks gr8,must try it out. my favorite herb i must say is mint, all variations. i am middle eastern and mint is a major characteristic in our cuisine. the flavor of mint just livens up our dishes and the aroma is outa ths world…especially our fatoush and taboulehs, our home made yogurts and humus. wats absolutely amazing about mint its not only gr8 in cooking but for cocktails and desserts as well….this arab truly loves her mint!!!!!!
my favourite dish chris finger licking good
dis man cah cook for nun smh!