caribbean recipes Archives | Page 5 of 6

Without ANY DOUBT.. this is one of my favorite Caribbean desserts! If you recall back in 2013 I shared an (if not the first) online version of this Currants Roll Recipe. However this time I’ll show you an even easier method of making it. Without sacrificing taste, texture and overall flavor.

You’ll Need…

1 puff pastry sheet
1 1/2 cups currants
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk (optional)
3-4 tablespoon butter (melted)

This is a simplified version of that classic recipe I shared, so head over to your grocery store and grab a package of “puff pastry” from the freezer section. Allow it to thaw in the fridge, until it’s soft enough to handle, but still chilled.

On a well flour dusted surface, roll out the puff pastry until it’s about 5-7 millimeters thick and a rectangle shape. (watch the images below).

Tip! For best pastry results, use the puff pastry chilled and try to have your surface well flour-dusted and as cool as you can have it.

Now it’s time to brush on 1/2 the melted butter on the surface of the pastry dough.

Mix the sugar and cinnamon together. Then sprinkle on (evenly) the currants onto the surface of the dough, followed by the sugar/cinnamon mixture.

It’s now time to roll everything as tight as you can into a dough filled log.

Since I wanted these bite-sized, I rolled the longer side. Then cut them into two pieces. Place them onto a parchment lined baking tray (I didn’t and I had a mess to clean up after). Then brush on the egg/milk wash (basically you whisk the egg together with the milk) over the surface of each.

Then using a fork, poke some holes onto the surface of each log. Make sure the seam side is on the bottom, to help keep it closed/sealed as it bakes in the oven

Onto the middle rack of a preheated 375 oven for 25 minutes. Then remove them and slap (brush) on the remaining butter we have and place back into the oven for about 5 minutes.

After which, you’ll place them on a cooling rack to cool down a bit before using a serrated knife to cut them into the serving size pieces you want. I went on a an angle when slicing for that classic currants roll look. With the serrated knife you’ll have to use a sort of gentle sawing action to cut through them without destroying the pastry.

If you wanted you could have sprinkled on some granulated sugar on the surface before you placed them into the oven.

As classic a Caribbean dessert as you can get without all the fuss, by using the puff pastry we got from the grocery store.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Seafood

Incredible Cabbage With Salmon.

September 7, 2021August 13, 20212 Comments

Here’s another example showcasing the creativity of my Caribbean culinary heritage. Using a can (say tin in the Caribbean) of humble salmon (yea not appetizing for most) to add a wonderful flavor and body to basic cabbage. I’m sure this dish came about when someone wanted to stretch a can of salmon to feed a few people and remembered they had a cabbage laying around.

You’ll Need…

1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion (diced)
3 thin slices scotch bonnet pepper
3-4 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can salmon
1/2 lemon (juice)
1/3 cup water
1/2 large cabbage (rough chopped)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon water
10-12 grape tomatoes (any tomato will work)
4-6 sprigs thyme
1-2 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

Heat the olive oil in a wide pan on a low heat. Add the onion, garlic and scotch bonnet pepper and allow to cook on that low heat for about 3 minutes. As it cooks, add the black pepper.

Now add the curry powder and stir well and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the tomato paste and stir. The goal is to allow the heat to cook the tomato paste and bring out the natural sweetness. And speaking about sweetness. Should you not have curry powder or maybe you don’t like curry (crazy), feel free to use Smoked Paprika instead.

Add the thyme (leaves) and cook for a further minute.

It’s time to add the can of Salmon (I got wild caught packed in water) including the liquid it was packed in. To help degalze the pan, I added the 1/3 cup of water and turned my heat to medium and added the lemon juice.

It will take 1-2 minutes to come to a boil. Cook for 4 minutes. Here is when you’ll add the chopped (as big as you want) cabbage and the salt. It will seem like a lot, but it will cook down.

Add the cherry tomatoes along with the 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Place the lid on and allow the steam action to help cook the cabbage. Be sure to stir. Yes the salmon will break-up.. that’s fine.

Now here is where you get to personalize things. Seven minutes later and it’s time to taste for salt and adjust. Check on the texture of the cabbage to see if it’s to your liking (I like a slight crunch) and decide of you want it cooked longer.

Turn off the stove, toss in the parsley (stir) and ENJOY with steamed rice, hot roti or in bread as a sandwich.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Tasty Oven Roasted Cauliflower.

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021Leave a Comment

Due to the massive demand for Vegan, Vegetarian and Ital recipes, I launched a new series on YouTube, I call #MeatFreeMondays In doing so, I had to find a simple way to make Cauliflower tasty and stand out. Now… If you follow me on Instagram you would have already seen me bash Cauliflower as being the lamest vegetable on the planet. I have no love for this vegetable.. NONE! I’m much more of a fan of it’s cousin, Broccoli.

You’ll Need…

1 large cauliflower
1/2 – 3/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt (divided)

Note – use smoked paprika instead of the curry powder should you want a different flavor profile. 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.

Preheat the oven to 425 F

Then wash and cut the cauliflower into large pieces (I did 1/4s).

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, black pepper, 1/2 the salt, curry powder and green seasoning. Mix that well.. you now have a simple but marvelous marinade/dressing for the cauliflower pieces.

Place the cauliflower onto a baking tray and brush it with the dressing. Be generous on all sides.

Sprinkle on the remaining salt, then into the oven on the middle rack. (reminder 425 f).

35 minutes later and you’re done. However, for more of a golden/roasted color, you can keep it in for a bit longer. Remember to use the oil on the pan to brush the cauliflower after 15 minutes into roasting.

Note. Depending on how large the pieces of cauliflower you use are, it may take longer to fully cook.

Simple and delicious.. even for someone who regularly hates on cauliflower on Instagram. Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Seafood

Roast Breadfruit With Saltfish.

August 27, 2021August 11, 2021Leave a Comment

This dish is as CLASSIC as it gets when it comes to the culinary culture of the Caribbean. Our ancestors would rejoice with pride at seeing that so many centuries later, it still holds a special place in our hearts when it comes to comfort food. FYI Breadfruit (Pacific Islands) as with salted cod (Eastern Canada) , was brought to the Caribbean as a means to feed our forefathers who were slaves. And as you go from island to island you’ll see how we have all mastered making excellent dishes with both since then.

You’ll Need…

1 breadfruit (mature)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium onion (sliced)
3/4 cup prepared salted cod
1 clove garlic (sliced)
5 sprigs thyme
1 medium tomato (sliced)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 scallions (chopped)
1 habanero pepper (diced)

Important! Remember to wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling spicy peppers (like habanero). If doing this dish gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

This is called a Coal Pot and it’s the traditional stove used in the Caribbean by our ancestors.

Fire roast the breadfruit (watch the video below to follow along) until it’s black and charred on the outside. Please note you can roast the breadfruit on your propane bbq or indoor grill. 350-400 F for about 1 – 1 1/2 hours. On the open fire (as I did), roast for about 40-45 minutes and remember to rotate so all sides gets into contact with the flames/coals.

Allow it to cool, then using a knife, remove the charred (YES it will be BLACK and Burned – unless you used your indoor oven or grill) skin. Then remove the inner core and discard. Now slice into segments/wedges. I used a sheet of paper towel to hold onto it for easier peeling.

In a wide pan on a medium flame, add the olive oil and butter, then add the prepared salted cod and stir well. This will infuse the oil/butter with the salted cod flavor.

Add the black pepper and two minutes later add the onion, Habanero Pepper (I was out of scotch bonnet peppers), thyme and garlic. Stir well to make sure all those lovely flavors come together.

Next up, add the tomato and cook for another 3 minutes.

Lower the flame and add the roasted breadfruit pieces and mix well to soak up all the niceness in the pot. Remember to flip the pieces of the breadfruit as the side touching the bottom of the pan will start developing a crust.

4 minutes later add the scallions, give it another mix and cook for a last 3-4 minutes. I cooked it for 8 minutes (low heat) after adding the breadfruit to the pan. Now get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious and comforting meals you’ll ever have. Be kind to yourself and have some ripe avocado and Caribbean peppersauce on hand, to complete the meal.

Note that I didn’t add any salt to the dish as the remaining salt from the salted cod was enough for the entire dish for my liking. Taste and adjust accordingly.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Vegetarian

Cassava (manioc or yuca ) Oil-Down.

July 23, 2021July 23, 20211 Comment

Here’s another ingredient (Cassava) I disliked with a passion as a kid on the islands, but can’t get enough of it as an adult. To be honest, the only thing made with Cassava I enjoyed as a kid was probably Cassava Pone. And if I were completely honest, I’d say it was because of the plump raisins in it and the fact that it was a sweet treat.

You’ll Need…

2 lbs cassava
3/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 medium onion (diced)
4-5 cloves garlic (smashed)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley
4 sprigs thyme
2 + 1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
3/4 teaspoon black peppers (divided)
1/2 medium carrot (sliced thin – wheels)
2 scallions (chopped)
3 pimento peppers (diced finely)

Note! I used frozen Cassava in making this dish, as it’s what I can easily find available here in Canada, plus I love the way it cooks quickly and it’s guaranteed to be soft. I usually get it in the frozen food section at local grocery stores, including West Indian, Latin and Asian markets.

Cook the cassava according to the package instructions. In my case I placed the frozen cassava in a pot covered with water and the salt, brought that up to a boil and allowed it to cook on a rolling boil for about 7 minutes. It’s NOT fully soft (cooked). Drain. and set aside to cool.

In a saucepan heat the butter (2 tablespoon) on a medium/low flame, followed by the onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, scallions and pimento peppers. Stir well and cook on low now.

As this gently simmers, it’s time to handle and prep the cassava. You may want to watch the video below. Remove the woody sort of string that runs down the center of the cassava (discard). Then cut the cassava into bitesize pieces.

Back to the sauce pan.. hit it with the black pepper and stir again. TIP You may use coconut oil at the start instead of the butter we opted for.

Now add the carrot (just cleaning out the fridge) and coconut milk. Bring to a boil (raise the heat), and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes (reduce the heat after it comes to a boil).

It’s now time to add the cassava back to the pot and finish cooking it all the way through. The cassava will now start absorbing all that goodness in the pot and the coconut milk will start to reduce down. Lid On.

Five minutes later and you’re done! Taste for salt and adjust accordingly. Finish with more black pepper and the remaining butter.

Such a tasty dish for something so simple… I can guarantee you that you and your family will want this on the dinner table quite often.

BTW, should you want to add some boiled sweet potato or green cooking banana to the mix, feel free to do so (adjust the salt and add a bit more butter). Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Desserts

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

July 11, 2021June 27, 2021Leave a Comment

Nothing SCREAMS summer better than Ice Cream! Well, maybe snow cones and/or chilled adult beverages. And while dad convinced us growing up that Coconut Ice Cream was superior to all others (with just cause) and though I have a special place in my heart for Rum and Raisin, I’d be telling a lie if I didn’t admit that good Vanilla Bean (as you’re about to witness), ranks as one of the best flavors when it comes to that frozen treat we crave on those hot days of summer (Spring, Fall and Winter too).

You’ll Need…

2 vanilla pods
2 cups milk (I used 2 %)
3 cups whipping cream (high fat)
pinch salt
1 cup white sugar (adjust to your liking)
4 egg yolks

from the vanilla I tested over the years, I have to say that the beans from Madagascar are my fav.

In a large pot place the cream and milk on a med/low flame. We’re looking for tiny bubble on the edges.

Cut the vanilla beans in half (lengthwise) and scrape the insides to pick up all the vanilla pulp. Place that in the pot with the cream and milk, along with the scraped vanilla pods.

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and egg yolks together to combine.

As you whisk, it’s time to start adding some of the warm milk/vanilla combo to the bowl to temper the mixture and NOT cook the eggs. I did it 2 tablespoons at a time, until I got about 1 cup of liquid with the sugar.

Now add that sugar/egg mixture to the pot (still on a low flame) and whisk to combine.

3-4 minutes later, turn off the stove, fish out the bean pods (discard) and place the liquid (covered) in the fridge to chill.

After it’s fully chilled (about 2 hours), it’s time to pour it into your ice cream maker and run it according to the directions for your machine.

It can take anywhere between 35-50 minutes depending on your machine.

Since it won’t be fully firm (more the consistency of soft-serve at this point) I usually place the ice cream in freezer containers and into the freezer to firm up. TIP! Should you have extra ice cream liquid (custard), place it in ice cube trays to freeze. Once firm, enjoy!

Back to my dad and his famous coconut ice cream. He insisted a few things. 1. The coconut must be freshly grated and coconut milk extracted. 2. An old school wooden CRANK ice cream maker MUST be used. 3. Burlap and rock salt must be packed on the side (on the ice) to maintain the perfect temperature for the ice to do its work, under the Caribbean sun and Finally.. this is KEY.. 4. He had an EXACT amount of turns (cranks) memorized, to give you the perfect texture and consistency. Interestingly.. it was down to a science…. that works to this day.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Gluten Free Side Dishes

Chunky Caribbean Lemon Lime Pepper Pickle.

May 28, 2025May 17, 20212 Comments

As a lil fella growing up on the islands I recall it was a sort of expectation to see people ‘sunning’ out the freshly prepared bottles of traditional pepper sauce, when peppers were abundant (usually during dry season). Recycled bottles (which once housed peanut butter, jam or mayonnaise) packed with pureed, chunky or a combo of both. Vibrant red, orange, yellow and green, depending on the variety of pepper they used and the type of “peppersauce” they made. According to the elders, that Caribbean sun helped to cure the sauce and add even more wicked flavors.

You’ll Need…

25-35 hot peppers
20-30 bird pepper
1 tablespoon salt
2-3 cups white vinegar
1/2 large bitter melon
12-18 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 large carrot (or 10 tiny ones)
6 limes (divided)
11 lemons (divided)

IMPORTANT! Wear gloves and wash your hands immediately after handling such hot peppers with soap and water.

Wash everything and allow them to dry, then remove the stems off the peppers.

Cut the bitter melon in half (lenght) and using a tablespoon, scrape out the seeds and area around the seeds and discard. Slice thin.

Cut the limes in 1/4 (lenght-wise), then 1/2 cm slices. Do the same for four the lemons. TIP.. remove the center core of the lemons to make them more tender later on. (please watch the video below to follow along)

I used a variety of extremely hot peppers as I had an abundance in my garden. Feel free to use what you can source (watch the video below to see what I used). Slice each pepper thin and include the seeds for more heat. I left the bird peppers whole (stems removed).

Place the lime and lemon pieces in a deep pot and pour in the vinegar. Turn the heat to medium, bring to a simmer and cook on that simmer for 15 minutes.

Turn off the stove after 15 minutes (by cooking the lime and lemon pieces first in that vinegar will help to break down the skin and release a ton of that citrus flavor). While still warm, add the thinly sliced peppers, followed by all of the other ingredients (not the remaining lime nor lemons).

Stir well. I used baby carrots as that’s all I had on hand, but you can definitely slice up a large carrot. Allow this to fully cool.

Juice the remaining limes and lemon. (set aside)

It’s now time to place the pepper mixture into your clean glass containers. I used tongs, then I poured in the vinegar juice. I then strained in the freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice.

By adding the juice now it’s brings out that fresh citrus flavor and brightens the finished pepper-sauce.

Now tuck everything down with a wooden spoon. If you find that your peppers are not covered in liquid, add a bit more white vinegar and mix well. Uncovered peppers may tend to ferment and go bad quickly.

While you’ll be tempted to get into this asap, give it a week to fully ‘cure” before sampling. Store in the fridge for longer shelf life (about 6 months). Admittedly I was tempted to do as my ancestors did and place it in the sun, but it’s wasn’t a Caribbean sun so instead I hid mine in a cool dark corner in my kitchen. I find that when peppersauce goes in the fridge its heat level drops! It’s been there for about 9 months now. The sauce is excellent in soups and on the side of my beloved Pelau!

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Desserts

Juicy Jerk Pineapple Bites.

May 28, 2025May 10, 20211 Comment

Juicy and BURSTING with the flavors of Allspice, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar and Scotch Bonnet peppers, these Jerk Pineapple Bites are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Roasted in the oven or slide them onto a bamboo skewer and grill them off on your BBQ this summer. Your pineapple game will take on a new brilliance.

You’ll Need…

1 large ripe pineapple
2 tablespoon Jerk Marinade
2 tablespoon Dark Brown Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
1/2 lemon

Feel free to make your own Jerk Marinade or use your fav store-bought jar. Be mindful that the ones from the store can be a bit spicy (read the label).

Peel, Core and Cube the pineapple.

In a bowl, place the jerk marinade, lemon juice, olive oil and sugar. Now give that a good mix and your marinade/dressing is ready.

The jerk marinade I used was out of a bottle I bought at my local grocery and I know it’s very spicy. Be mindful of the spice level in the jerk marinade you use.

Pour the marinade over the cubed pineapple pieces and give it a good mix.

Pre-heat your oven to 500 F. Line your baking tray with foil or as in my case I sprayed on cooking/baking spray to make clean up easier later.

Pour the seasoned pineapple pieces onto the tray and make sure there’s space between each piece of pineapple.

Onto the middle rack of your oven.

20-25 minutes (depending on how large you cubed the pineapple) later and you’re done. It will take on some color on the edges.

Serve warm on it’s own or as a side to your fav ice cream. Excellent on pancakes and waffles too!

If you’ve ever seen people go crazy for the grilled pineapple at Brazilian Steakhouse Restaurants, you can guess how tasty grilled pineapple can be. Add the wonderful flavors of the Jerk marinade and you’re on another level of tasty. The sweet juicy flavors complement the slight heat of the jerk marinade. Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Gluten Free Rice & One-Pot Dishes Vegetarian

Comforting Stewed Lentils (slow cooker).

May 28, 2025April 28, 20211 Comment

Mom never owned a slow cooker (and we’ve talked about her and her dislike for pressure cookers – that she passed on to us), so the lentils she would make about 2 times a month, was slow-cooked on the stove top. That recipe I’ll share with you another day. For now, here’s my take on what I believe is one of the simplest ways to prepare comforting lentils from scratch.

You’ll Need…

2 lbs dried lentils
1 large carrot (cubed)
2 cups butternut squash (cubed)
3 stalks celery (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 scallions (chopped)
4-6 sprigs thyme
4 tablespoon parsley (divided)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups vegetable stock
3-4 cups water
3 pimento peppers (chopped)
1 tablespoon Molasses
2-3 tablespoon Maple syrup
1 tablespoon Caribbean browning
2 thick slices ginger
1/2 teaspoon Scorch Bonnet pepper flakes (optional)
6 cloves garlic (whole)
1 can stewed tomatoes
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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. Especially the Caribbean Browning, vegetable stock and Worcestershire sauce you use. This will be a MASSIVE pot of lentils, so be prepared to freeze and reheat on a later date or make when you’re having a large crowd over for dinner.

Wash and soak the lentils in warm water for 15 minutes. There’s no need to soak overnight as we’re slow cooking.

Place the lentils (drained) in the slow cooker, followed by the pimento peppers, ginger, scallions, celery, 1/2 of the parsley, black pepper.. basically everything in the ingredients list.

Later on we’ll adjust the salt. If you’re doing this vegan, keep and eye on the ingredients in the Worcestershire sauce as you may have to avoid it.

With the carrot and butternut squash, I like putting in bigger cubes as it will maintian a bit of texture later on as we slow cook this.

Stir well and place the lid on. Setting on high.

You can walk away form it at this point.

6 hours later (watch the video below) and this should be tender, tasty and thick! Don’t forget to fish out the thyme sprigs and ginger and toss before serving. Yea, taste for salt too and adjust to your liking.

Top with the remainder of the parsley and enjoy. NOTE! For a more grainy lentil, cook for less time and cut back the water by 3/4 cup. Yes you can use Veg (or Chicken) stock instead of water, but be mindful of the sodium content as it will affect how salty the final dish is.

Freeze the remainder for another night you feel like having a comforting side or bowl of lentils you made from scratch.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Breakfast Gluten Free

Curry Eggs. The Simplicity of Delicious.

May 28, 2025April 18, 20211 Comment

Many of you may be perplexed by this recipe as eggs in a curry sauce may seem strange. However this was a typical dish mom would make for us when she little in the cupboards (we always had fresh eggs from our chickens) or ran out of ideas to keep the menu fresh for 4 children on a daily basis. While many may associate Curry Eggs with Guyana, it’s very normal in Trinidad and Tobago as well.

You’ll Need…

4 hard boiled eggs (cut in 1/2)
1 medium shallot (or small onion – diced)
1 pimento pepper (sliced)
4 wiri wiri peppers
1 medium tomato (remove skin and seeds – diced)
4 cloves garlic (crushed)
1-2 tablespoon veg oil
1 teaspoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 cup water
2 scallions (chopped)
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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 Pimento and Wiri Wiri (coffee) peppers in the recipe, however they are optional (in the event you can’t source them). Scotch Bonnet, Habanero or any spicy pepper will work of you want a little kick.

Boil the eggs and set aside.

Place a sauce pan on a medium flame and add the oil, followed by the shallots, cumin seeds, the white parts (bottom) of the scallions, pimento pepper and garlic. Immediately turn the heat to low.

Add the black pepper, then as soon as you start seeing dark edges on the onion and garlic, add the Wiri Wiri peppers (whole), followed by the curry powder (heat still on low). Mix well. We’re building that rich curry flavor here, by wet-toasting the spices which makes up the curry powder.

Add the Caribbean Green Seasoning (stir) for that herbal note and the salt. Now add the water to help create the gravy and to cook out the ‘rawness” of the curry. Turn the heat up so it comes to a boil, but as soon as it does, reduce the heat back to low.

Add the diced tomato and allow it to simmer for 4-5 minutes.

Now place the cut eggs, yolk side down as we want them to start absorbing the curry sauce (be gentle).

After a couple minutes, flip the eggs over and add the green tops of the scallion.

Now here is where you get to personalize things. Taste for salt and adjust and reduce the gravy to the consistency you like. I had it with Sada Roti, so I needed nuff sauce.

This a bit of a simplified version of Curry Eggs as we do it in the Caribbean. There’s the more detailed recipe where the eggs are boil, then fried to form a crust, before they go for that curry bath. Then there’s the version mom would do with potatoes, to stretch the dish and give it more body. Those I will share in upcoming recipes.

If you want heat, break the peppers, or remove and discard if heat is not your thing. Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Side Dishes

The Ultimate Stewed Red Kidney Beans.

May 28, 2025April 12, 20211 Comment

Here’s a dish my mom would make the odd Sunday when Callaloo wasn’t on the menu, as part of the Grand Caribbean Sunday Lunch. Paired with stewed , grilled or oven roasted meats, macaroni pie, boiled sweet potato and plantain and there was always a salad of some sort on the side. Even if it was just watercress harvested from the village streams that morning or sliced cucumbers from our kitchen garden at the back of the house.

You’ll Need…

2 cups dried red kidney beans
8-9 cups water
4-6 cloves garlic (smashed)
5 sprigs thyme
1 wiri wiri pepper (any spicy pepper will work)
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 medium onion (diced)
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 heaping tablespoon golden brown sugar
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 cup diced carrots
2 cups diced pumpkin
1 stalk celery (diced)
2 scallions (chopped)
1 tablespoon dehydrated Pimento peppers (optional)
2 tablespoon tomato puree paste
2 tablespoon Maple Syrup (pure)
1 medium tomato (diced)
2-3 tablespoon coconut cream
1 teaspoon black pepper divided
1 heaping tablespoon vegetable stock powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon chopped shado beni (culantro)

Note: I used a Wiri Wiri pepper to give these beans a bit of a kick, Scotch Bonnet, Habanero or any of your fav spicy pepper will work, in amounts you can tolerate. Or feel free to leave it out if spicy is not your thing.

In a deep pot, soak the washed red beans in cool water for about 2 hours. Then place the pot on a medium flame to bring to a boil. As the water comes to temperature, add garlic, thyme, onion and one of the wiri wiri pepper. Give it a stir, then add the salt and black pepper. I started with about 7 cups of water but I did end up adding another 2 cups or so as they simmered.

As the beans cook, it’s a great time to prep the other ingredients.

As it comes to a boil, turn it down to as low and it can go and allow it to simmer until the beans are tender.

One hour and fifteen minutes later it’s time to take the pot off the burner as the beans will be tender. Set this aside and get another wide heavy pot on a medium/high flame.

Add the oil followed by the sugar. You would have seen me do this when I ‘brown stew’. Watch the video below if this becomes confusing. The sugar will melt, go frothy, then deep amber in color. Here is where (be VERY careful) you’ll add the cooked beans to the pot. BE VERY CAREFUL as you’re adding liquid to caramelized sugar and it can jump back at you. If the sugar goes BLACK.. STOP. Allow the pot to cool, wash, dry and start back.

Vent you kitchen as it can become a bit smoky. After all the beans (and liquid) is added, it’s time to add the other ingredients (except the shado beni).

Couple noteworthy points, mom would never add Maple Syrup, Vegetable Stock powder nor Tomato Paste (she would add a tablespoon of tomato ketchup). These additions are just my way of adding my own personality to the dish.

Bring it up to a boil and allow it to cook for a further 30 minutes. Test to make sure everything is tender and the salt is to your liking. While I didn’t add a lot of salt, I knew the vegetable stock I used had a sodium element to it. Adjust accordingly.

If it’s too runny, use your spoon to crush the pumpkin and some of the beans. BUT do keep in mind that this will THICKEN as it cools down. Leftovers can be put into freezer containers or vacuum sealed and kept in the freezer for months. Thaw, add a tiny bit of water and reheat on the stove. If you used a vacuum sealed bag, place in boiling water.

Top with the chopped Shado Beni as you turn off the stove and stir.

Drop me your comments below, tag me on Instagram and don’t forget you can now get my cookbook – The Vibrant Caribbean Pot, 100 Traditional And Fusion Recipes @ CaribbeanPot.com/CookBook/

Gluten Free Seafood

Curry Crab With Shrimp and Potatoes.

April 18, 2021April 4, 2021Leave a Comment

Here’s a classic Caribbean Seafood Curry which will not only excite the tastebuds, but one which will get even get those picky eaters eager to be at the dinner table. Succulent shrimp, tender potatoes and a gravy rich with crab flavor, without being overbearing. NO this does not need coconut milk (but I’ll leave that up to you).

You’ll Need..

3 ocean crabs (cleaned and cut in 1/4s)
1 – 1.5 lb shrimp (large 21-25)
1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning (divided)
3/4 tablespoon sea salt (divided) *adjust
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
6 medium potatoes (in 1/4)
3- 4 cups water
2 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 – 2 tablespoon Curry Powder
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera)
1 teaspoon Anchar masala
2 wiri wiri peppers
1 medium onion (diced)
6 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 medium tomato
2 tablespoon Shado beni (or cilantro)
* Juice of one lemon to wash the crab and shrimp

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. Especially the curry powder you use, in the event there’s any ‘filler” in it. I used Yukon Gold potatoes as I love the texture it gets when it’s cooked and breaks down (to thicken the dish), but feel free to use any variety you like.

Wash the crab and shrimp (please devein) with cool water and the lemon juice and set aside.

Deep pan on medium flame, add the olive oil followed by the garlic, onion and wiri wiri peppers (any spicy pepper you like will work). Turn the heat down to low so we don’t burn the garlic. Add the cumin seeds and stir – heat still on low.

After 4-5 minutes, add the curry powder and stir. It’s will go darker, start clumping and release a lovely scent. This sort of wet toasting will allow the spices which makes up a good curry powder, to bloom. Add the black pepper at this point. Now turn the heat to medium, stir and add 1/4 cup water to the pot. Scrape to release anything stuck to the bottom of the pot.

As the water drys up, add the Anchar Masala and roasted cumin (geera) and stir well. Yes that’s even more wicked flavors right there.

Keep stirring and get rid of all the liquid. We’re hoping to see the oil we started with. Toss in the crab at this point followed by the 1 1/4 tablespoon of the Caribbean Green seasoning and 1/2 tablespoon of the salt. Mix well. Toss in the diced tomato, that acidity will help bring balance to the dish.

Go in with the potato, stir to coat, then add the rest of the water and bring to a boil (turn up the heat).

Season the shrimp with the remaining green seasoning and salt. Set aside.

Once the pot comes to a boil, reduce the heat and cook with the lid on (slightly ajar), until the potato is tender and start breaking down.

20 minutes later and the potatoes should be fully cooked. Using your spoon crush a few pieces of the potato to help thicken the gravy and turn the heat up if you have a lot of liquid, until you get a consistency you like (remember it will thicken as it cool).

Here’s where we’ll add the season shrimp to the pot, stir in well and cook for 1-2 minutes before you turn off the stove. Let the residual heat finish cooking the shrimp or we risk over-cooking the shrimp.

Taste for salt (you will need) and adjust accordingly. Toss in the shado beni (or cilantro), cover the pot and leave it for 3-4 minutes before serving.