Curry Baigan (eggplant) and Aloo (potato).

May 28, 2025October 10, 2024Leave a Comment

I’ve shared countless ways of making this over the years, yet this version is still the classic and most requested by fans of my work. A simple dish, usually served with the easiest and most classic of all the roti’s we make in the Caribbean, Sada Roti.

You’ll Need…

1 1/2 tablespoon veg oil
1/2 medium onion (sliced)
5-7 cloves garlic (smashed)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 – 2 tablespoons curry powder
1 Habanero pepper (green/sliced)
3 medium potatoes (sliced)
2 tablespoon water
2 lbs eggplant (peeled/cubed)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust)
1 teaspoon Anchar masala
1/2 cup water (explained below)
3-5 Wiri Wiri peppers (optional)

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. If you cannot source the Anchar Masala, use ground roasted cumin (geera). Should you want to add a more herbal flavor to the curry, you may add a tablespoon Green Seasoning after cooking the onion/garlic combo. If making this dish gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the curry powder you use as some may contain fillers.

In a wide pan on a medium flame add the veg oil or any oil you prefer using. Follow up with the onion, garlic and black pepper and cook low for 2-3 minutes. In reality you may use as much onion and garlic as you prefer.

Add the curry powder and stir to toast evenly for 3 minutes on the low flame.

Add the sliced Green Habanero pepper (explained in the video) and 2 tablespoon of water, followed by the (peeled, washed and sliced) potatoes. Stir well, then go in with the eggplant pieces (about 1 inch cubes) and mix well.

Top with the Anchar Masala, turn the heat to med/low and cover the pot/pan and allow the steam and heat to do its thing. The eggplant or baigan will release a lot of moisture.

Stir every 4 minutes or so. Remember to add the salt at this point as well. Cook for about 8 minutes. At that point add the 1/2 cup of water to help get the potatoes tender to the point they start falling apart.

After 22-25 minutes of adding the potato to the pot, everything should be fairly cooked. Remove the lid (I had it slightly ajar) adjust the salt to your liking. At this point I added a few Wiri Wiri peppers WHOLE (do not break them) and cover the pot as you turn off the stove.

The residual heat will soften the skin of the Wiri Wiri peppers which will break easily when I enjoy my hot Sada Roti. Do not serve the peppers to your children or anyone who cannot handle the raw heat.

Easy to prepare, simply delicious and just overall comforting for me, as it’s something mom would make for my siblings and I on a Saturday morning.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Caribbean Curry Cow Heel (cow foot).

September 3, 2024August 29, 20241 Comment

In some parts of the Caribbean “Chow Heel” is also known as “Cow Foot”, and while those outside our culture may find it a bit offensive to eat such a part of the animal, it’s a comforting, tasty and nutritious dish. It’s deep rooted in our history from slavery to indentureship and beyond.

You’ll Need…

2 1/2 tablespoon Olive oil
1 large onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 teaspoon cumin (Geera) seeds
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 tablespoon ground Masala
2 1/2 tablespoon Curry powder
2 pimento peppers (seasoning peppers)
1 1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon black pepper
6 pimento berries
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 stick)
1 Star Anise
1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
3 Cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (see note below)
2 thick slices of ginger
4 1/2 lbs cow heel
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
5-10 cups water
3 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)

Notes! Please get your butcher to cut the cow heel pieces for you with their band saw as your knives won’t be able to. I used 2 hot peppers in the dish as I like curry very spicy, that’s optional or leave the peppers whole as it cooks and fish then out near the end. Be mindful that if you break them, you’ll release the beast. If making this dish gluten free, please go through the list of ingredients to ensure they meet your gluten free dietary requirements. May I suggest that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there.

I forgot to mention that it’s important that you wash the pieces of cow heel with the juice of a lime or lemon and cool water. Drain after. If you don’t have lemon or lime, use 1 cup white vinegar and water.

Heat the olive oil (use any oil you prefer) on a medium flame in a deep solid pot, followed by the garlic, onion and cumin seeds. Turn the heat down to low, then continue by adding the Caribbean Green seasoning, ground Masala and curry powder. Cook for 4 minutes on low.

Add the pimento peppers (if you can source it), then turn the heat back up to med/high and add the 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil.

Once boiling add the allspice berries, black pepper, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, cardamom, star anise, bay leaves and Scotch bonnet pepper. Turn the heat down so you have a rolling boil.

When the liquid has reduced by about 2/3 or so, add the ginger followed by the cow heel to the pot and give it a good mix.

Add the salt and 6 cups of water. Bring it up to a boil.

Once it comes up to a boil, reduce it to a simmer, lid on slightly ajar and cook for 2 hrs and 50 minutes to 3 hrs and 15 minutes or until it’s tender. You will be required to stir every 20 mins and it will need more water as it reduces.

Remove the hot peppers if you wish, along with the star anise, slices of ginger, bay leaves and if you can get the pimento berries as well. Taste and adjust the salt. If the cow heel is tender and you’re happy with the consistency of the gravy, turn off the stove or add more water and continue cooking.

Mix in the chopped cilantro and get ready to enjoy a delicious curry dish. Yes you can use a pressure cooker and cut the cook time by about 1/2 at least. However from my experience you won’t get the same deep rich flavor as you would with a low and slow braise.

Gluten Free Side Dishes

Bitter Melon (Carilie) Anchar.

May 27, 2025July 31, 2024Leave a Comment

As explained in the video below, I loosely called this an Anchar and not a Kuchela, while either name could work in describing this wonderful spicy pickle. Yes, Mango Anchar is as classic as it gets, this version is quite unique as the slight bitterness of the Carilie compliments the Anchar Masala and other flavors.

You’ll Need…

2-3 lbs Bitter Melon (sliced/dried)
3/4 cup veg oil
2-3 Scotch Bonnet peppers
8 cloves garlic (diced fine)
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon Anchar Masala

Notes! If making this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure that they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is explained there. Especially why I didn’t use Mustard Oil as traditionally used in making any Anchar. I used a lot of Scotch Bonnet peppers in making this Anchar as it’s meant to be spicy, but you can tailor it to your heat tolerance. Use any spicy pepper you like or can source.

Remove and discard the interior of the Carilie, wash well with cool water (drain) and slice into thin sticks. Then pat dry and place onto a baking tray. You can simply air-dry it at this point but in keeping with tradition, I placed the tray in the direct sun for 2 hours. The goal is to dehydrate the Carilie so when we get to making the Anchar it will absorb all of those wonderful flavors. Yes you can sprinkle salt onto the Carilie pieces as it will further remove moisture from the Carilie pieces. However I don’t as I want to keep the true flavor (bitterness) of the Carilie and by adding salt, it will remove that (for the most part).

Once dried, we can get started.

Add the oil to a wide pan or low heat and add the diced Scotch Bonnet peppers along with the garlic and bring to a sizzle. I explained why I added the pepper to cold oil to start and why you need to vent your kitchen to prevent you from choking.

Keep the heat at a temp where you have a gentle sizzle going as we don’t want to burn the garlic, but flavor the oil with its lovely aroma. Cook for 5-7 minutes.

Add the Anchar Masala (see your local West Indian market for it or online) and stir well. Cook on low for another 4-5 minutes to bloom all of the spices which make the Masala.

Time to add the Carilie to the pan and mix well. In goes the salt and cook for 15-25 minutes. This all depends on how thick you cut the Carilie pieces and how dry they are.

Dryer Carilie will absorb the flavors much quicker.

Turn off the stove and allow the Anchar to cool before putting it in a sterilized glass jar (it will leave its flavor in plastic containers) and store in a cool place for 3-6 months or in the fridge for double the time. Enjoy as a side condiment to your fav curry dish.

I especially like the oil from this, drizzled on said curry dishes or as a topping for soups and dhal.

Gluten Free Main Dishes

Egg And Aloo (curry egg with potato).

May 27, 2025July 24, 2024Leave a Comment

Did your mom fry the eggs after boiling them and before making the curry? While it seems that’s the traditional way of making this comforting dish, our mom would simply boil the eggs and add them (cut in 1/2) to the curry base. Additionally I don’t recall that she ever added potatoes or aloo to it.

You’ll Need…

3 tablespoon veg oil
7 hard boiled eggs
1 medium onion (diced)
3-4 cloves garlic (smashed)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon ground masala
1 1/2 – 2 tablespoon curry powder
1 3/4 cups water
1 medium tomato (diced)
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
4 medium potatoes (pre-boiled in salted water)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Notes. May I recommend following along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. If making this dish gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. You’ll notice that I finished with chopped parsley, traditionally chopped Chadon Beni (culantro) would be used. Alternatively chopped cilantro (coriander) could be used. Should you want to add Caribbean Green Seasoning after adding the onion and garlic, it would make a great addition.

Heat the oil in a wide pan over medium flame and fry the boiled eggs (peeled) until they form a slight crust and take on a golden color. How dark you want it is totally up to you. Remove and set aside.

Reduce the flame to low and add the onion, garlic, black pepper, scotch bonnet pepper (any spicy pepper you like and in the amount you can tolerate), ground masala and cook for 3 minutes (same pot).

Now add the curry powder of your choice and cook for a further 3-4 minutes on low.

Turn the heat up to med/high and add the water, which you’ll bring to a boil. Then add the diced tomato and salt and cook on a rolling boil for 4 minutes (med/low heat).

It’s now time to add the pre-boiled potato (aloo) to the pot.

This will allow the potatoes as well as the eggs to absorb that lovely curry sauce we created. Add the eggs back to the pot now.

Tuck everything under the curry sauce and cook on a simmer for 4-5 minutes.

Now determine if the salt is to your liking and adjust if necessary, then top with the chopped parsley and reduce the sauce or gravy to the consistency you prefer. In my case I shut off the stove after adding the parsley and allowed the pot’s residual heat to thicken things up for me.

Mom would usually serve this with Sada Roti, but I was too lazy to deal with flour, so I heated a buss-up-shut (paratha) roti I had in the freezer.

Should you want to add a teaspoon of ground roasted cumin (geera) the final 3-4 minutes of cooking, it will further enhance this curry dish.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Curry Stew(ed) Chicken With Potato.

May 27, 2025June 17, 2024Leave a Comment

One of the most comforting meals I always make when I miss ‘home’ (the Caribbean) is Curry Stew Chicken Wings with a simple side of brown rice. Should I have slices of avocado (say zabouca), cucumber and fresh watercress, it’s even more warm and homely. Today we’ll go through the steps of making this dish with chicken legs instead of chicken wings and with the addition of chunky potato pieces to help it stretch for even more people. With this curry stew chicken with potato, I much prefer hot Sada Roti, to rice as my side.

You’ll Need….

3/12 lb chicken (dark meat, skin & fat removed)
3/4 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium onion (diced)
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 small Scotch Bonnet pepper (sliced)
1 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoon golden brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated ginger
3 cups water
5 medium potatoes (cut into large pieces)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley (see note)

Notes! May I recommend that you use the video below to follow along as much more about the recipe is discussed there. Especially the ‘stewing’ part, which can be a bit tricky. If you’re making this recipe gluten free please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. I opted for an entire Scotch Bonnet pepper in the recipe as I enjoy spicy food, but you can leave it out or use as much as you can tolerate.

I used chicken legs with the back attached (essentially drums and thighs) which were cut into serving sized pieces. The skin and most of the fat was removed. Then I went on to wash it with cool water and the juice of a lime. Since this washing of chicken is controversial, I didn’t include the lime (you can also use the juice of a lemon or 3/4 cup white vinegar) in the ingredient list.

Season the prepped chicken with the salt, black pepper, tomato, onion, Caribbean Green Seasoning, curry powder, Scotch Bonnet pepper and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours. I discuss why in the video below.

While the seasoning with the curry powder (and marinating) is the “Curry” step of the recipe. The next step which is to caramelize the sugar and add the seasoned chicken, is what we refer to as the ‘stew’ element of the dish. Heat the olive oil in a wide, deep and heavy pot on a medium high flame and add the brown sugar. Please use the video below to follow along. IMPORTANT! Should the sugar go BLACK, STOP! Turn off the stove, move the pot to a cool burner and allow it to cool completely, then wash it and start over. If not, you’ll end up with bitter tasting chicken. The sugar will melt, go frothy, then a deep amber color. While this is happening may I recommend you use a dry spoon (metal or wood as plastic may melt with the high heat) to stir, and keep in mind that your kitchen will go smoky. Once you have that deep amber color, carefully start adding the seasoned chicken to the pot and stir well to coat.

Yes, you may add the marinade as well. Turn the heat down to medium, place the lid on the pot and bring to a boil. Yes, it will spring its own natural juices. Once it comes to the boil, reduce to a simmer, place the lid on slightly ajar and cook for about 6 minutes. In the same bowl you marinated the chicken in, add the 3 cups of water and swish around to pick up any remaining marinade.

After 6 minutes, remove the lid (I did stir it a few times), turn the heat back up to medium high to burn off any liquid that may be left in the pot. This step will intensify the flavor and color of the dish. At this point you’ll add the potato pieces, along with the grated ginger. Should you want to add a Bay Leaf or 2, it will add additional flavor to the finished dish. TIP! do 1 1/2 cups water and 1 1/2 cups coconut milk for a richer gravy at the end.

Add the liquid and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a rolling boil and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the potato pieces are tender. This can take between 20 and 25 minutes.

Once it’s going on that rolling boil, place the lid back on slightly ajar.

Keep an eye on the level of your liquid and don’t be afraid to add a bit more water should the need arise. Once the potato starts falling apart and the chicken is fully cooked, it’s time to personalize things.

Taste and adjust the salt to your liking, and determine if the gravy is the thickness you enjoy. Keep in mind that the residual heat in the pot will further cook/thicken things and as it cools it will also thicken.

Traditionally you’d finish with chopped Chadon Beni (culantro), however all I had on hand was parsley, which also works excellent! Another option would be Cilantro (coriander) if you wanted.

If you find that your gravy is a bit too thin you can cook a bit longer or use the back of your spoon and crush a few pieces of the potato.

I truly hope you get an opportunity to give this recipe a try as it’s one that’s very dear to me.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Curry Goat With Pigeon Peas.

May 27, 2025May 23, 20245 Comments

Across the Caribbean we’ve got our ‘own’ way of making Curry Goat and over the years I’ve shared the sort of Classic Curry Goat, an Outdoor Fiery Curry Goat, Slow Cooker Curry Goat, a One Hour Curry Goat using a pressure cooker, Curry Goat Done In The Oven and the Classic Jamaican Curry Goat. While they’re all brilliant recipes, this version is a bit different and probably the easiest as you’re about to learn.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs goat (with bones)
1 lemon (juice)
1 medium onion (sliced)
8 cloves garlic (smashed)
3/4 tablespoon ground masala
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera)
5-7 bird’s eye peppers
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon turmeric
3 tablespoon curry powder
3/4 tablespoon grated ginger
3 bay leaves
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
1 large tomato (diced)
1 1/2 cups pigeon peas
5-7 cups water
3 tablespoon chopped chadon beni (culantro)

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. If making this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Should you not have lemon juice to wash the goat, you may use lime juice or 1/4 cup of white vinegar. While boneless goat means not having to deal with bones when you serve this curry dish, IMHO you get a deeper flavor with bone-in meats.

Get your butcher to cut the goat for you (if you’re using bone-in as I did) as the bones will be very tough to cut at home. Then wash with the juice of the lemon and cool water. Drain, then place in your large pot on a medium/low flame. As explained in the video, the goal is to render out some of the fat and discard it.

After about 25-30 minutes I removed most of the fat that rendered, but I did leave back about a tablespoon in the pot. It’s now time to add the Onion, garlic, Caribbean Green Seasoning, geera (ground roasted cumin), black pepper, ground Masala and Bird’s Eye peppers. You may use any spicy peppers you like and in the amounts you can tolerate. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes.

After this add the turmeric, curry powder and ginger and cook for about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to cook out the rawness of the curry and in doing so, we’ll bloom the spices which make up a good curry powder.

Add the rinsed (was frozen) pigeon peas along with the tomato and bay leaves. I much prefer using Bay leaves than Curry leaves, but that’s just my choice. Stir well.

Turn the heat to medium high, add the salt and 5 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 2 and 1/2 hours. During the cooking process I did end up adding an additional 2 cups of water to the pot. Yes, stir every 20-30 minutes.

Depending on the age of the goat when it was butchered, it should be tender at this point. Here’s where you’ll now taste and adjust the salt to your liking and determine if the gravy is as thick as you’d like it. Keep in mind that it will further thicken as it cools.

Toss in the chopped shado beni (culantro) or should you not have that on hand, cilantro (coriander) will also work.

Serve with rice or Buss Up Shut Roti and a side of Mango Talkari.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Yellow Split Peas Dhal With Salted Pigtail.

May 27, 2025May 8, 2024Leave a Comment

Traditional Caribbean Dhal is something that’s close and dear to me, a dish which takes me back to being a lil fella on the islands. While mommy didn’t cook curry very often, the days after school when we’d come home to Rice, Dhal and Curry (you may say curried) Chicken, was something we (brother and sisters) all looked forward to. This is not that recipe, however it’s just as comforting and with pieces of leftover Sada Roti soaked in it – BOOM! My childhood right there.

You’ll Need…

12-15 cups water
2 1/2 cups yellow split peas (washed)
1 tablespoon turmeric (sorfran)
1 1/2 lbs salted pig tail (prepared)
1 medium onion (sliced)
10-12 cloves garlic (divided)
3 Bird’s Eye Peppers (optional)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon geera seeds (cumin)

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there, including why you must pre-boil the salted pig tail pieces prior to adding it to the dhal. If making this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your gluten free dietary requirements.

Prepare the Salted Pigtail Pieces. Basically get your butcher to cut the tails into 1 inch pieces, then after a good rinse you’ll place them in a deep pot covered with water and bring to a boil. Cook on a rolling boil for 40-50 minutes. Drian, rinse and set aside. This step will help to remove most of the salt it was cured in and to tenderize them a bit (they will be tough).

Add 12 cups of water in a soup pot on a high flame. As it comes to a boil add the washed yellow split peas along with the turmeric and stir well. Bring back to a boil.

On a rolling boil you will see foam accumulate at the top. Skim and remove. Then add the onion, 1/2 of the garlic, Bird’s Eye peppers (use any pepper you like or can source and in the amount you can handle) and black pepper. Do not add the salt yet (explained in the video).

When it comes to a boil reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the pieces of prepared salted pigtail and cook for 70 minutes or until the peas and pigtail pieces are tender. Stir every 15 minutes or so.

Along the way you will need to add more water. In my case it was a further 3-4 cups. Do keep in mind that this will yield a huge quantity of Dhal. I purposely make a big batch with the intention of freezing the leftovers. For those days I get a Dhal craving but don’t want to spend hours cooking.

At this point you’ll need to taste and add salt as needed (to your liking), then remove the pieces of salted pig tails (hopefully they are tender).

If you watch the video you’ll see me use a traditional wooden swizzle stick to break down the cooked peas to a smooth finish. If using a stick blender may I recommend you hit the pulse a few times to avoid creating foam, from going continuous. Add back the pieces of salted pig tail to the pot.

Heat the oil in a frying pan along with the remaining garlic (smashed) and geera (cumin) seeds. Yes you want the garlic to slightly burn and the oil to be smoking hot.

Being VERY careful, pour this mixture into the pot of dhal and stir well. In the video I explained the proper technique for this step, which is called “Chunkay”.

As a soup or a side to curry dishes, this Dhal is insanely delicious.

If you were to search Dhal in the search box above or visit the Recipe Index you’ll find 4-5 other versions of Caribbean style Dhal recipes… if pork is not your thing. If you wanted to add some Green Seasoning as it cooks, feel free to do so. A tablespoon will give it a lovely herbal undertone.

Gluten Free Vegetarian

Curry Bodi With Potatoes.

May 14, 2024May 2, 2024Leave a Comment

Bodi or Bora, and some may even know it as Yard Beans, Snake Beans, Pea Beans, Asparagus Beans or Chinese Long Beans, is one of my favorite curry dishes, even as a lil fella on the islands. And while the recipe will work with French or String beans, Bodi has a unique flavor it imparts into the finished dish like nothing else.

You’ll Need…

1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (sliced)
5 cloves garlic (crushed)
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Geera)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Green Seasoning
2 tablespoons curry powder
3 Bird Pepper (bird’s eye)
2 lbs Bodi (trimmed)
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
4 medium potatoes (chunks)
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoon coconut cream

Notes. May I recommend you use the video below to follow along as much more about the recipe is discussed there. If making this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the curry powder you use, as some may contain fillers. I used Bird’s Eye Peppers in the amount I can handle, use any pepper you like or can source or you may leave it out.

Wash and trim the ends off the Bodi (discard), then cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces. Rinse again and drain.

Heat the oil in a wide pan on a medium flame, then add the onion, garlic and Cumin (geera) seeds. Turn the heat to low and cook for 3 minutes.

Add the Caribbean Green Seasoning, Bird’s Eye Peppers and black pepper, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes before adding the curry powder. Heat still on low.

The goal is to slowly cook the curry powder to bloom the spices which make up this wonderful blend. Should you need to add a bit more oil, do so.

Four minutes later add the washed and trimmed Bodi to the pot and stir well.

Turn the heat up to medium high.

Follow up with the salt and potato pieces. Mix well to coat.

The water goes in now and bring to a boil.

Tuck in the coconut cream and reduce to a simmer. Cook with the lid on but slightly ajar.

At the 25 minute mark you may check and adjust the salt. Remember to stir a couple times and add a bit more water if you need to. Here’s when you’ll decide if the sauce of gravy at the bottom is to your liking.

The potato pieces along with the Bodi should be fully cooked by now and it’s important that you consider that any sauce at the bottom of the pot will further thicken as it cools, especially with the residual heat of the pot.

While in my youth Sada Roti was my fave way to enjoy this delightful vegan dish, over the years Buss Up Shut Roti is my go-to!

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Spicy and Flavorful Curry Duck Recipe – A Must-Try for Curry Lovers!

May 27, 2025February 19, 2024Leave a Comment

As a lil fella growing up on the islands, Curry Duck was never my thing. It’s funny how in my adult years, every couple months I get a serious craving for it. There’s something so comforting about a plate of rice, dhal and spicy curry duck, with a side of mango kuchela or pepper choka. It’s why I included this recipe in my #ComfortFood series on YouTube.

You’ll Need…

8-10 lbs duck (trimmed and washed)
2 limes (juice)
3/4 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon gound masla
1 large tomato (diced)
2 heaping tablespoons Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 scotch bonnet peppers (sliced)
1-2 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onion (sliced)
12-14 cloves garlic
1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds (geera)
3 tablespoon curry powder
8 cups water
1 tablespoon anchar masala
3 scallion (fine chopped)
3 tablespoon chopped parsley

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is explained there. Should you be doing this gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the curry powder you use as some may have ‘fillers’.

This is one of those instances where I highly recommend that you season and marinate the meat before cooking. Best case scenario, overnight. However, if you’re pressed for time, at least 2 hours.

Get your butcher to cut the duck into small pieces as your cleaver or large knife will shatter the bones and you’ll have fragments to deal with. Some Caribbean butchers will even skin (remove the skin) the duck for you for a small charge. In my case I removed most of the skin and fat that I could (explained in the video) and washed the meat with the juice of the limes and cool water. After-which it was drained and ready for seasoning.

Season with the salt, black pepper, ground masala, curry powder, Caribbean Green Seasoning, tomato and grated ginger. Mix well, cover with plastic wrap and place the fridge to marinate.

Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you’re ready to begin cooking.

Heat the oil in a large/heavy pot on medium heat and add the onion, garlic and cumin (geera) seeds. Stir and cook on a med/low flame for 3-4 minutes.

Then add the curry powder and stir well. Turn the heat down to low and cook for 4-5 minutes to bloom the spices which make up the curry powder.

It’s now time to turn the heat up to med/high and add the seasoned duck to the pot. The goal is to coat the pieces of meat with that lovely curry base we created.

You will notice that it will sprout a lot of natural juices, that’s what we want. As it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to med/low and place the lid on slightly ajar. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes.

At this point, remove the lid off the pot and turn the heat up to medium high to completely burn off that liquid. This will infuse the pieces of duck with that deep curry flavor. The goal as explained in the video is to see the oil we started with at the bottom of the pot.

Then you’ll add the water to the same bowl you marinated the duck in and swish it around to pick up any remaining marinade. This water is then added to the pot to slowly cook the duck until fork tender.

Add the anchar masala and stir. (use ground roasted cumin if you cannot source the anchar masala)

Bring it to a boil, then reduce to between a rolling boil and simmer and cook with the lid on slightly ajar for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more water if required. I explain why I don’t use ‘stock’ instead of water in the video. Adding coconut milk will change the flavor, but you may certainly add some if you wish.

Depending on the age of the duck it may be fork tender at this point. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking and once you’re happy with the consistency of the gravy and tenderness of the meat, add the chopped parsley and scallions and stir well. Turn off the stove, cover the pot and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to allow the things to come together before serving. Optionally, you may use culantro (shado beni) or cilantro instead.

During the cooking process you could have added a stick of cinnamon and/or a couple bay leaves. At the end you may also add a teaspoon of ground roasted geera (cumin) for that extra POP of flavor. I did use 2 green scotch bonnet peppers when I seasoned the duck, however you may add less or more, depending how spicy you want the finished curry duck to be.

After adding the water it took about 70 minutes for my duck to be tender!

You just learned how to make delicious curry duck at home.

Meat & Poultry

Simply Delicious 20 Minute Curry Chicken.

May 27, 2025February 3, 20241 Comment

A little over 7 years ago I shared my Amazing 20 Minute Curry Chicken Recipe on YouTube and while that recipe is still very relevant. As we work our way through the #ComfortFood series I’ve been sharing on social media, I thought I’d revamp that recipe a bit. Unfortunately while filming the recipe video for this version, I never took step by step images as I would normally do.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs boneless chicken (dark meat)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
6-8 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 medium tomato (diced)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large scotch bonnet pepper (sliced)
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera)
1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
2 tablespoon Curry powder
1 teaspoon Anchar Masala
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
2 cups water
2 tablespoon chopped Shado Beni (chadon beni / culantro)

you may use cilantro

Notes. Please use the video below to follow along as much more is discussed there. Especially why I used boneless leg and thigh, but also why you may use chicken breast should you prefer that cut.

Cut the chicken into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pieces and wash with cool water and the juice of a lemon, lime or 1 cup white vinegar. Drain dry. If washing chicken is not your thing, you may skip this step as I know many people are opposed to this.. in my culture it’s a MUST!

Heat the oil in a heavy pan on medium heat. Unlike other curry recipes I’ve shared where we lower the heat at this stage, the goal is to maintain a constant heat. Add the onion, garlic, tomato, Caribbean Green Seasoning, Scotch Bonnet Pepper (use as much as you can handle) black pepper and roasted geera (cumin). Cook for 2 minutes, then add the curry powder, along with the Anchar Masala and stir well. Cook for a further 3 minutes.

It’s then time to add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat with the lovely curry base we created. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the salt and water (bring to a boil) and cook for a further 10 minutes.

At this point we’ll personalize things by adjusting the salt to your liking and determine if the gravy’s consistency is to your liking. Keep in mind that the residual heat in the pan will further thicken the gravy or sauce as it cools.

Once you’re happy with everything, turn off the heat and add the chopped Shado Beni (culantro) and stir. Should you prefer to use cilantro (coriander), it’s really up to you.

If you want to change up the flavors a bit you may add a bit of coconut milk or cream, a small stick of cinnamon, a bay leaf and/or a teaspoon of grated ginger will not hurt things at all! This recipe is true to a traditional Trinbago (Trinidad and Tobago) curry chicken.

Meat & Poultry

How to Make a Caribbean-Inspired Curry Beef with Pigeon Peas.

May 29, 2025January 19, 2024Leave a Comment

As a lil fella on the islands, I had a love hate relationship with pigeon peas. Allow me to explain, nothing beats a Chicken Pelau made with fresh shelled pigeon peas, so too a delicious offering of curry peas with hot Sada Roti. Frozen (shelled) or the stuff in the tin (can) simply cannot compare. However I HATED shelling (removing the peas from the pod) with an absolute passion.

You’ll Need…

3 tablespoon curry powder
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 tablespoon garam masala
3/4 tablespoon roasted geera (cumin)
3/4 tablespoon anchar masala
1 cup water (for curry slurry)
6 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (chopped)
1 medium onion (sliced)
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
2.5 lbs beef
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
3 cups pigeon peas (from frozen)
8-10 cups water

Notes! Please use the video below to follow along as much more about the recipe is discussed there. I used a cheap cut of boneless beef, however I find that you get a deeper flavor by using beef with bones. Use as much Scotch Bonnet or whatever hot pepper you like or can source or you know you can handle.

In a bowl add the curry powder, black pepper, ground roasted geera, garam masala, anchar masala and 1 cup of water. Mix well to combine. Then add the onion, ginger, garlic, Caribbean Green Seasoning and scotch bonnet pepper to the bowl and mix again.

Heat the oil in a deep/large pot on a medium flame and add the curry slurry we created. Allow this to cook uncovered for about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to burn off the liquid, until your spoon can divide the curry on the bottom of the pot (as explained in the video). The curry slurry will go to a darker color sort of paste.

At this point add the beef pieces. In the video I explained that I washed the cubed beef with the juice of a lemon (a lime or 1/2 cup of plain white vinegar will also work) and cool water. After which I drained it dry. Stir well to coat the beef pieces with that lovely curry base we created. Cover the pot and cook on a medium/low flame for 10-15 minutes.

It will spring it’s own natural juices.

Remove the lid and turn up the heat to medium/high. The goal is to burn off all of that liquid until we can see the oil we started with (hopefully). This will further infuse the pieces of beef with that curry base.

Add the pigeon peas to the pot. They were frozen peas, so I had them thawing in cool water, which I also used to give them a wash. Rinse and drain.

Mix well to coat the peas with the curry as we did with the pieces of beef. Then top with water and bring to a boil. Don’t forget to add the salt.

You’ll need to have some patience moving forward now as we want both the beef and peas tender. I mean falling apart with the use of our fork. This means we’ll bring it to a boil then reduce the heat to a rolling boil/simmer and cook anywhere from 2 hours to 2.5 hours.

I had the lid on slightly ajar and you’ll need to keep an eye on the liquid level in the event you need to add more water.

The two sort of personalization with the recipe is.. taste and adjust salt at the end and determine if the gravy’s consistency (thickness) is to your liking. I recommend that you use your spoon to crush some of the pigeon peas to help thicken the gravy. However, do keep in mind that the residual heat in the pot will further cook this and as it cools, it will thicken further.

Vegetarian

Masala Mushroom Recipe.

January 9, 2024January 3, 2024Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meat free (vegan/vegetarian) dish banging with exotic flavors, look no further. This Masala Mushroom is guaranteed to deliver, without being overly bold with spices. And it works great with basic button mushrooms, which can be very affordable.

You’ll Need…

2 lbs mushrooms (cleaned and cut in 1/2)
3 tablespoon coconut oil (divided)
1 teaspoon salt (divided)
1/2 medium onion (sliced)
5-7 cloves garlic (smashed)
1/4 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (sliced)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (geera)
1 teaspoon Anchar masala
1 1/4 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
2 tablespoon cilantro (chopped finely)

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. Additionally you may make this as spicy (hot pepper) as you can tolerate and the Anchar Masala can be found at your local West Indian grocer or online.

Prep the ingredients as necessary.

Place a wide frying pan on a med/high flame with 1/2 of the coconut oil, then add the mushrooms and stir well.

Add 1/2 the salt and cook on the high heat for about 8-10 minutes. The mushrooms will shrink, let out moisture (this is why we need a wide pan) and take on color, as that liquid evaporates. We need that color to happen as explained in the video. Set the mushrooms aside and get a saucepan on a medium flame.

Add the remaining coconut oil, onion and garlic. Turn the heat to low and cook gently so we don’t burn the garlic, for about 3-4 minutes.

After which you’ll add the Scotch Bonnet, black pepper and cumin (geera) seeds and continue cooking. Four minutes later add the curry powder and Caribbean Green Seasoning and stir well. Continue cooking on a low heat.

Now add the remaining salt, turn up the heat to medium/high and add the water. Bring to a boil, then add the Anchar Masala and diced tomato. Cook on a medium heat for about 4 minutes.

At this point I used my stick blender to puree everything to give me a sort of thick sauce or gravy, before adding the previously cooked mushrooms to the pot. This step is optional, but I like the overall texture of the gravy by doing so.

Bring it back up to a boil and all it needs now is a couple minutes to heat through the mushrooms and for them to absorb that lovely curry goodness we created. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking and as you turn off the stove, add the cilantro (or Shado Beni).

curry

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Caribbean Curry Cow Heel (cow foot).

Bitter Melon (Carilie) Anchar.

Egg And Aloo (curry egg with potato).

Curry Stew(ed) Chicken With Potato.

Curry Goat With Pigeon Peas.

Yellow Split Peas Dhal With Salted Pigtail.

Curry Bodi With Potatoes.

Spicy and Flavorful Curry Duck Recipe – A Must-Try for Curry Lovers!

Simply Delicious 20 Minute Curry Chicken.

How to Make a Caribbean-Inspired Curry Beef with Pigeon Peas.

Recipe Card

Curry Beef with Pigeon Peas

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Ingredients

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Masala Mushroom Recipe.

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