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curry stew chicken done
Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Curry Stew(ed) Chicken With Potato.

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.

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.

curry beef with pigeon peas
Meat & Poultry

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

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.

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.

Recipe Card

Curry Beef with Pigeon Peas

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 1 hr Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Diet:

Description

A rich and comforting Caribbean curry made with seasoned beef and hearty pigeon peas simmered low and slow in bold spices until tender and flavorful.

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
  1. In a bowl, mix curry powder, black pepper, garam masala, roasted geera, anchar masala, and 1 cup water to form a slurry. Add onion, ginger, garlic, green seasoning, and scotch bonnet pepper. Stir well.

  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the slurry and cook uncovered for 5–7 minutes until thickened and fragrant.

  3. Add washed beef cubes and stir to coat in curry mixture. Cover and cook over medium-low for 10–15 minutes.

  4. Remove lid and raise heat to medium-high. Cook until liquid evaporates and oil is visible again.

  5. Stir in rinsed pigeon peas. Add enough water to cover ingredients. Season with salt.Stir in rinsed pigeon peas. Add enough water to cover ingredients. Season with salt.

  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook partially covered for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

  7. Mash some peas to help thicken the curry. Simmer until gravy reaches desired consistency.

  8. Taste and adjust salt before serving. 

  9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Note

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.

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Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Easy and Delicious Curry Lamb with Potato and Chickpeas Recipe.

If you’ve tried my Coconut Curry Lamb recipe, you can attest to the absolute delicious nature of a good Caribbean curry. With this version of Curry Lamb, we’ll give the overall dish more body and help to stretch it for more people.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs lamb (I used shoulder w bones)
lemon (juice)
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
8-12 cloves garlic (smashed)
2 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 scotch bonnet pepper (chopped)
1 tablespoon cumin seeds (geera)
1 teaspoon Anchar Masala
4 medium potatoes (1/4s)
1 can chickpeas (rinsed/drained)
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
1 teaspoon black pepper
5-6 cups water
1 scallion (chopped)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin
2 tablespoon coconut cream

Notes! If making this recipe gluten free please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet your specific gluten free requirements. Especially the curry powder you used (discussed in the video below). Use any hot pepper you like/can source and in the amounts you can tolerate. I prefer using bone-in lamb for this recipe, however you’re free to use boneless cuts should you prefer.

Wash the pieces of lamb with the juice of the lemon and cool water, drain and set aside. for now. Get your deep pot on a medium flame and add the olive oil. You may use any oil you enjoy using.

Then add the onion, garlic, cumin seeds, Caribbean Green Seasoning and scotch bonnet pepper, cook for about 2-3 minutes, before adding the anchar masala (see your fav West Indian grocers, in the video below I explained what to use should you not be able to source it). Stir well.

Follow up with the curry powder (I discuss my fav curry powder in the video below) and stir well. Continue cooking on that medium flame for another 2-3 minutes. Then it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and stir well.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then add the prepared lamb pieces (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and I included the bones) and stir well to coat.

Add the salt and black pepper, continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes with the pot uncovered. It’s time to add the potato (cut into large pieces) as well as the chickpeas (channa) and stir well.

If you watched my curry Channa and Aloo video you’ll see how I removed the outer skin of the chickpeas and why I do so. Add the coconut cream (use 1 cup coconut milk if you don’t have cream) and water to cover everything.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and place the lid on the pot, slightly ajar. The goal now is to cook everything slowly and in doing so we’ll not only get tender pieces of lamb, but we’ll develop the rich and deep flavors of the curry.

After 1 1/2 hours, we need to check to see if the lamb is tender as well as taste and adjust the salt to your liking. Keep in mind that during the cooking process, should you need to add additional water (if it goes too THICK), feel free to do so. Also note as this cools it will thicken further, so adjust the gravy consistency accordingly.

Once the lamb is tender, salt is perfect and the gravy is to your liking, add the scallions, parsley (explained why I didn’t use cilantro nor shado beni in the video) and roasted cumin (geera) powder, stir well and shut off the stove.

A couple additional flavors you may consider adding as it cooks are a small stick of cinnamon and 2 bay leaves.

Gluten Free Seafood

Curry Lobster With Potato.

I’m definitely not impressed by lobster in any form or fashion. I personally think is highly overrated and I’d much prefer shrimp any day… well except for pepper lobster. While I did enjoy the Curry Lobster With Shrimp I shared a while back, it’s not something I’d crave. In doing this Curry Lobster, if you’d like to go with half the water and add coconut milk to make up the other 1/2 of liquid needed, it will add a lovely sweet undertone to the overall curry sauce.

You’ll Need…

2 lobsters (about 3 lbs total)
2 1/2 tablespoon veg oil
1 medium onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 green scotch bonnet pepper (cut 1/2)
1 ripe Scotch Bonnet pepper (whole)
3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (geera)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
2 tablespoon curry powder
2 1/2 – 3 cups water
4 medium potatoes (pre-boiled in salted water)
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
2 tablespoon finely chopped parsley *

Notes! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the curry powder you use as some may have fillers. I used two scotch bonnet peppers, use any spicy pepper you like or can source. Optionally, you may leave them out or use as much as you can handle. Please follow along with the use of the video below.

Clean, trim and cut the lobster into pieces. Hit the claws to crack them so we get the curry flavors deep within. Yes, you may use lobster tails if you wanted to.

Peel and cut your potatoes into 1/4’s and boil in salted water (about 3/4 teaspoon) until tender. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan and add the diced onion, smashed garlic and geera seeds (cumin). Cook for 3-4 minutes on a low heat.

Add the green scotch bonnet pepper (cut in half) and the Caribbean Green Seasoning. A green scotch bonnet will not be as fiery as a ripe or fully mature one, but it will still have a kick. A couple minutes later add the curry powder and stir well. Continue cooking on low.

The goal is to NOT BURN anything, especially the curry or you’ll have an offensive tasting curry sauce at the end. Never BURN curry! After 4 minutes add the water, turn the heat up and bring to a boil.

As it comes to a boil add the whole scotch bonnet pepper (I explain why in the video below) along with the prepared lobster to the pan and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes before adding the pre-cooked potatoes.

Be sure to mix well so the potato gets covered with the tasty curry sauce and in the process, soak up some of it.

After 3-4 minutes, it’s time to taste and adjust the salt to your liking and as you turn off the stove, toss in the finely chopped parsley. Should you prefer to use cilantro or Shado Beni (culantro), do you. If you find that the gravy or sauce is a bit runny, you may crush a few pieces of the potato to thicken things up. However do keep in mind that the residual heat in the pan will further cook things, plus as it cools it will thicken up further.

Seafood Vegetarian

Amazing Curry Jingi (Chinese Okra).

Yet another dish I disliked as a lil fella growing up on the islands, but adore as an adult. Served with hot Sada roti and a few slices of avocado (zabouca) and some Mango Kuchela on the side and Uncle Chris is in culinary heaven.

You’ll Need…

2 lbs Jingi (Chinese Okra)
1/4 lbs salted Cod (prepared)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
6 cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
6 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds (geera)
3 medium potato (1/4s)
2 cups water
2 tablespoon Coconut Cream

Notes! If you wanted to do this curry dish fully vegan, simply leave out the salted Cod at the start. I used salted cod, but you may use any dried salted fish you prefer. Watch the video below to learn how I ‘prepared” the salted fish, and while I used boned (means the bones were removed) salted Cod, I still kept an eye out for any bones (to be removed and discarded). I used cherry tomatoes (or were they grape tomatoes?) but any tomato will work.

Using a sharp pairing knife or potato peeler, remove the outer skin off the Jingi and discard, cut into 1 inch cubes and rinse with cool water. Drain and set aside. You may want to prep your other ingredients at this time as well.

Add the oil to your pot on a medium flame, then add the prepared salted cod pieces to the pan, turn the heat to low and cook for 3 minutes. This step will flavor the oil. After which, remove and set aside.

In the same pot on a low flame (try to not remove the oil we started with – add a bit more if needed), add the garlic and stir well. 30 seconds later add the cumin seeds and cook for another minute. Then add the Caribbean Green Seasoning and stir well.

It’s now time to add your fav curry powder (heat still on low) and cook until fragrant. About 3 minutes. During this time add the black pepper.

Now turn the heat to medium and add the cubed pieces of Jingi and stir to coat with the curry base we created. Feel free to add a splash of water if you find that it’s starting to stick at the bottom of the pot.

It’s now time to add the pieces of potato and stir again. Top with the tomato, salt (see my tip in the video) and water and with the lid on, bring to a boil.

Once you have a good boil going, reduce to a simmer, add the coconut cream and cover the pot slightly ajar. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

With everything tender and falling apart, it’s time to ad back the pre-cooked salted Cod to the pot and stir well. Taste and adjust the salt and crank up the heat should you find that it’s too runny for your liking (keeping in mind that it will thicken as it cool).

Such a simple, yet wickedly tasty dish!

Meat & Poultry

Channa (chickpeas) & Aloo (potato) With Chicken.

Here’s one of my favorite dishes to make when I have leftover Stewed Chicken and plan to make hot Sada Roti. While it does take a little work to remove the sort of skin off the Channa (Chickpeas), I highly suggest you do as the end result is simply delicious.

You’ll Need…

2 cans chickpeas (540 ml each)
1 medium onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (smashed)
left over stewed chicken

1 tablespoon Caribbean Green seasoning
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon roasted cumin (ground geera)
1/2 cup water (for curry slurry)
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 medium potatoes (cut into 1/4)
4-6 cups water
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper
3 chili peppers (optional)
2 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Note! Be mindful to read the label of the curry powder and chick peas you use, to make sure they are gluten free. If rocking this dish for a gluten free diet. Also note that you should wear gloves and wash your hands with soap and water when working with spicy peppers, like the Scotch Bonnet.

Drain and rinse the chick peas from the can (watch the video below for my tip). Then place them into a bowl covered with water and using your hands/finger, give them a rub to remove the outer skin (see the video below). Yes, you don’t have to do this step. However in my humble opinion.. it’s well worth the effort.

Place the curry powder in a small bowl, add Geera (cumin), the Caribbean Green Seasoning, garlic, onion, black pepper and 1/2 cup water. Stir to create a thick slurry.

With your large pot on a med/high flame, add the oil of your choice (I use olive oil when cooking) and then pour the curry slurry into the pot. Stir well. Add a tablespoon of water in the same bowl where you had the slurry.. to rinse off any remaining curry and pour it into the pot as well.

Turn the heat down to low and let it cook for 4-5 minutes. This will help bloom the spices which makes up a good curry powder. After-which, turn up the heat to burn off all that liquid in the pot. The goal is to see the oil we started with at the bottom of the pot. This step will help to develop that rich curry flavor. It may take 3-5 minutes.

Add the Scotch Bonnet pepper, stir.. then add the chick peas (channa) to the pot and stir well to coat the peas with the curry base and use the remaining liquid from the rinsed chickpeas to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Add the potatoes as well.

With the heat still on high, add 5 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Turn the heat down to a rolling boil and cook for about 20 minutes or until the potato pieces are tender and start falling apart. Toss in the Chili peppers (whole) should you decide you want to use them. And here’s where you can add the salt to the pot.

Here’s where you can adjust the salt to your liking and keep this dish fully vegan. However we’re not! We’re adding the leftover stewed chicken to the pot at this point.

Heat through for about 4-5 minutes and you’re basically done. Couple things to keep in mind. Add more water when cooking if you find that it’s too thick. Should it be too runny at the end (knowing it will thicken as it cools), use your spoon to press down and crush some pieces of the potato and the chicken peas. Adjust the salt to your liking.

Top with Chadon Beni or cliantro and BOOM.. You’re Done!

The combination of the spicy curry with the deep flavors of the stewed chicken, added to the pillowy / silky texture of the chickpeas and potato – this dish just scream #comfortfood 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 Crayfish With Potato.

While I didn’t grow up eating this dish on the islands (simply because I don’t ever recall mom having access to crayfish), it’s quite common to see me make it when I visit the Asian supermarkets and they have crayfish (frozen) in stock. The trick is to not over-cook the the crayfish, while using it a base for flavoring the entire curry.

You’ll Need…

1 lb crayfish (crawfish)
1 med onion (sliced)
4-6 cloves garlic (smashed/crushed)
1 1/4 teaspoon salt (divided)
1 1/2 tablespoon curry powder (divided)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
4 -5 cups water
1 small habanero pepper (optional)
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning (divided)
2-3 tablespoon coconut oil
5 medium potatoes (1-2 inch pieces)
1 teaspoon roasted Geera (cumin)
1 tablespoon Cilantro (chopped fine)

Note: 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, as some may have flour as a filler/thickener.

Wash the crayfish with 1/2 lemon or 1/2 lime (juice) and cool water. Drain and squeeze dry (especially if the crayfish was previously frozen as in my case).

Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 of the black pepper, 1/2 tablespoon curry powder and 1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning. Mix well and marinate for 10-115 minutes.

Add 2 tablespoon of coconut oil in a saucepan on a medium flame. Add the seasoned crayfish, stir well, then crank up the heat to high. Cook for 1.5 to 2 minutes, then remove the crayfish and set aside. I used a slotted spoon.

Turn the heat down to medium now (same saucepan), add the onion, garlic, remaining black pepper, habanero pepper (remove the seeds ad white membrane around the seeds to tame the heat a bit if you want) and the remaining Caribbean Green Seasoning. Stir to combine and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Once the liquid is burnt off and you can see the oil we started off with (add more coconut oil here if you wish), add the remaining curry powder and stir well.

Turn the heat to low so we don’t burn the curry. After 2-3 minutes, add 1/2 cup of water along with the roasted cumin (geera). Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the liquid burns off. This is your curry base.

Now add the potato and stir to coat the pieces of potato with the curry, then add 4 cups of water and remaining salt and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low, lid on (slightly ajar) and cook for 20 minutes and the potato is falling-apart tender.

Once the potato is tender, you can crank up the heat and crush a few pieces of potato to thicken the gravy. Now add the pre-cooked crayfish to the pot. Do keep in mind that this dish is meant to have a sauce or gravy and that it will thicken considerably as it cools down.

Cook for a minute or two, add the cilantro and taste for salt and adjust accordingly. Enjoy!

Be sure to watch the video below if any of the steps seem confusing and be sure to serve this with your fav rice dish, sada roti or my fave.. buss-up-shut roti. 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/

Oh Yeh.. shrimp can be used a as a replacement for the crayfish.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Incredible Caribbean Curry Chicken With Potato.

No you’re not seeing double! If you’ve been following my culinary exploits here from day one, you would have seen me share a similar Curry Chicken With Potato (aloo) recipe about 8 years ago. And while that recipe is timeless, the google indexing bots are no longer as kind to the website, so if you were do do a search online you’ll never find that classic (original) recipe.

You’ll Need…

3-4 lbs chicken
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning (divided)
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion (sliced)
5-8 cloves garlic (smashed)
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper
5 1/2 cups water (divided)
2 heaping tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon roasted geera (cumin)
1 teaspoon anchar masala
5 medium potatoes (cut into 1/4’s)
3 tablespoon chopped cilantro

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 – read the label if you don’t make your own. I used an extra Habanero pepper (floated) in this dish as I enjoy my curry very spicy.

Watch the video below to see how I broke down a whole chicken for this recipe. Feel free to use thighs or drums if that is what you have on hand or prefer using. Additionally, you may use chicken breast, but IMHO you get better results with bone in/ dark meat.

Season the chicken with the salt, black pepper and 2 tablespoon of the Caribbean Green Seasoning. Stir well and allow to marinate for a couple hours in the fridge.

Heat your deep pot on a medium flame and add the oil. Followed by the onion, garlic and scotch bonnet pepper. Turn the heat down to low and gently cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add the remaining Caribbean Green Seasoning and stir. 30 seconds later add the curry powder and mix well.. heat still on low please. This step will toast the curry powder and bloom the spices which makes up the curry powder.

4 Minutes later, crank the heat to high and add 1/2 cup water, stir and then add the Geera and anchar masala (you can get this on amazon or your local Caribbean market – or double up on the roasted geera aka cumin). The goal here is to do two things. 1 Cook out the rawness of the curry and 2. to burn off the water we added to intensify the flavor of the curry base.

It will go dark, thick and perfume the kitchen with all the curry niceness. As soon as all the liquid is gone and you can see the oil we started with, add the seasoned chicken and stir well to coat each piece.

Bring to a boil (about 3-4 minutes), turn the heat down to medium and cover the pot. In the same bowl you marinated the chicken swish around the 5 cups of water and set aside for now.

After 4 minutes with that lid on, you’ll notice a lot of liquid sprouted. Turn the heat back up to high and burn off that liquid to intensify the overall flavor of the curry. (lid off).

3-4 minutes on high and the liquid should be gone. Add the potato, stir and add the 5 cups of water to fully cook the chicken and get the potatoes tender and falling apart.

As soon as it comes to a boil, turn the heat down to a rolling boil, lid on (slightly ajar) and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. This is where I floated the Habanero pepper (not mentioned in the ingredient list) .. if you do, you can break it later on as I did, to release the fury or don’t break to get the flavor of the oil on the outside of the pepper and not the raw heat.

Here is where you’ll taste it for salt and adjust to your liking. Also, you can (up to you) use your spoon to crush some of the potato pieces to help thicken the gravy.

I allowed the pot to go for 4 minutes with the lid off and then it was time to turn off the stove, toss in the cilantro (better if you have shado beni) and get ready for an incredible curry dish. IMPORTANT! If it looks runny, please note that it will thicken up as it cools down.

Back to using chicken breast… be sure to check out my Curry Chicken Breast video if you like white meat and you don’t want dry, bland and tough curry chicken without bones and dark meat.


Serve with hot steaming rice or your favorite Roti! 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 Meat & Poultry

Coconut Curry Lamb With Potato.

I’ll be first to admit that I’m not the biggest of fans of Lamb (terrible experience with overcooked grilled lamb a few years ago – my jaw still aches), plus I can’t get past the slight ‘gamey’ taste you get . However when slowly braised in a rich coconut curry sauce, I’m game lick a plate clean.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs Lamb (with bones)
1 lemon (juice)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning (divided)
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium Onion (sliced)
8 cloves garlic (smashed)
2 pimento peppers (optional)
3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (aka geera)
1 teaspoon Anchar Masala
2 Tablespoon Curry powder
1 med tomato (diced)
3 1/4 cups water (divided)
2 tablespoon coconut cream
8 medium potatoes (1/4)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Important! 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 requirements.

Cut the lamb (I used lamb with bones) into 2 inch pieces and included the bones (best flavor), so you’ll need a heavy cleaver to cut though them. Feel free to use boneless if you want. Wash with cool water and the juice of the lemon, then drain dry. Now it’s time to season with 1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning, salt and black pepper. Mix well and allow to marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.

Heat your heavy pot on a medium flame and add the olive oil (or any oil you like using) followed by the onion, pimento peppers (sliced) and garlic (add more black pepper if you want). Turn the heat down to as low as it will go and gently cook this.

After 3 minutes, add the cumin (geera) seeds along with the Anchar Masala (use roasted cumin if you can’t get this) and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the curry powder and stir well – heat still on low.

After 2-3 minutes, add the diced tomato to add some acidity to balance the flavors and later it will help to develop that rich gravy. After 2 minutes add the remaining Caribbean Green Seasoning and stir. All this time the heat is on low.

Now crank up the heat to medium, followed by 1/4 cup of water. This step will cook out the ‘rawness’ of the curry. Stir well (scrape the bottom of the pot if necessary), then heat on HIGH to burn off that water, till we get back to the oil we started with.

Here is where you’ll add the seasoned lamb (yea marinade too), and stir well.

As you get a bubble going (boiling) turn the heat down to medium, cover the pot and allow the natural juices to develop.

After 10 minutes, turn the heat to high then add the coconut cream and stir well. Follow this by adding the remaining water, stir and bring to a boil.

Here’s where you’ll toss in the Scotch Bonnet Pepper WHOLE (don’t break or it will release the beast) and reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes (covered – slightly ajar).

At this point you add the potatoes to the pot and bring back to a boil. Be sure to tuck the potato pieces below the liquid and simmer (lid slighty ajar) until everything is tender. 45 minutes later and you’re done. Taste for salt and adjust to your liking, then top with the parsley.

Note! I cooked this for 45 minutes after adding the potatoes as I like my meat fork tender and I wanted a thick gravy. This would explain why my potatoes where cut into large pieces, as I knew the would melt down as they cooked. Additionally, you’re wondering why I didn’t finish with cilantro or culantro (Shado Beni), I find lamb can be very fatty and the parsley tends to cut some of that fat on your tongue. Brightens the dish actually.

Serve with hot steamed rice or roti! If you find the recipe difficult to read, be sure to watch the demo video below.

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

The Ultimate Masala Shrimp (curry shrimp).

The biggest PUNCH of flavor you can do to any dish, is to rock it Masala style! We’ve done fiery geera shrimp, curry shrimp with potato and curry shrimp in the past, however this version is my ultimate favorite. Quick seasoning, develop that rich masala base and quickly cook the shrimp in the deliciousness.

You’ll Need…

2 lbs medium shrimp (cleaned)
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 medium tomatoes (chopped fine)
2 scallions (chopped)
6-8 cloves garlic (diced fine)
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
3/4 tablespoon cumin seeds (geera)
1 tablespoon Anchar masala
4-6 wiri wiri peppers
2 tablespoon chopped Shado beni (culantro)

Important! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.. Especially the curry powder you use. The Anchar masala can be found at your local West Indian market or feel free to use roasted cumin powder if you cannot source it. The Wiri Wiri peppers came from my garden via my freezer. Use as much of any spicy pepper you like or can source.

Season cleaned shrimp (shell removed, deveined and washed with the juice of a lemon or lime and cool water – drained) with black pepper, salt, Caribbean green seasoning and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir well.

I enjoy cooking curry type dishes outdoors, so I employed the use of my propane stove in the back yard. However, on a wood fire you’ll get exceptional flavors (or you can certainly cook on your stove-top indoors). In a heavy pan on a medium heat, add the remaining oil, then the onion and garlic and set you heat on low for 1-2 minutes. Then add the geera seeds (cumin) and stir well (heat still on low), followed by your fav curry powder. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes, then add the water and bring to a boil on a high flame.

Add the finely diced tomato and scallion. Two minutes later add the Anchar Masala and stir it well. Now and add the Wiri Wiri peppers (whole). And allow this masala gravy to cook down.

After all the liquid is burned off and you start seeing the oil we started with as you stir (it will be thick), it’s then time to add the seasoned shrimp to the pot and stir well to coat.

Remember that you are to avoid breaking the peppers or you will release the beast (heat).

On the high heat the shrimp will fully cook in 3-4 minutes. Top with the chopped Shado beni aka culantro (or use chopped cilantro if you cannot get Shadon Beni) and enjoy.

An incredible way to prepare and cook shrimp packed with bold flavors. Break a couple of the peppers and make this spicy. Sanctification on a different level for pepper heads.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Coconut Curry Rabbit.

Growing up on the islands this dish would never be a reality, since my brother had rabbits (among other animals and fish) as pets. However since moving to Canada and having access to rabbits at most grocery stores (without guilt of seeing them as pets), combined with my attraction to ‘game’, this dish is somewhat of a norm for me. Especially during the warmer months when I can use my outdoor wood burning stove in the back yard.

You’ll Need…

3 1/2 – 4 lbs rabbit
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 tablespoon Cocopine Pimento Sauce (optional)
1 teaspoon Amchar Masalla (for seasoning)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (adjust)
8 cherry tomatoes (any tomato will work)
2-3 tablespoon veg oil
1 medium onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (smashed)
2 heaping tablespoon curry powder
3/4 teaspoon amchar massala
2-3 tablespoon water (for making the curry slurry)
1 1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
4-6 wiri wiri peppers (optional)
2-3 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
* use ground roasted cumin if you cannot source the amchar massala

Important! If doing this dish gluten free, please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs (especially the curry powder you use as some may contain flour as a thickener). For the Cocopine Pimento Sauce, please check my friend Chef Barry Bartholomew at @Cheffinbar on Instagram.

Cut (small pieces), wash with lemon or lime juice and drain (how you’d normally wash meats). We’re using the entire rabbit (liver, heart and kidney).

Then season with salt, green seasoning, Caribbean green seasoning, coco pine sauce, anchar massala, scotch bonnet pepper, cherry tomatoes and black pepper. Mix well and marinate for about 3 hours in the fridge.

Today we’ll be using my outdoor wood burning stove, so it’s time to get that fire started. Basically you want a low heat to start. Heat the oil on a med/low flame then add the onion and garlic and cook on LOW for 2-3 minutes.

In the meantime mix the curry powder (use your fav), along with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon anchar massala with the water, to form a slurry. Now add that to the pot and mix well. This will help us bloom the spices which makes up the curry powder and ultimately cook-off that raw curry taste and texture.

The curry mixture will go darker in color, clump and you should burn off all that liquid.. until you can see the oil we started with. Now crank up the heat and go in with the seasoned rabbit (not the liver, kidney and heart – yet). Be sure to toss around well, to coat each piece of the rabbit with the curry base.

Bring to a boil (it will spring it’s own natural juices), then simmer for about 20 minutes on med/low. Be sure to stir occasionally. Do not cover the pot. Then crank up the heat to burn off that liquid – this step will give us the color we’re looking for and intensify the curry flavor of the completed dish.

Once it’s dry, add the coconut milk + water and bring to a boil. Then reduce to a gentle simmer, to allow us braise the rabbit until it’s tender.

1 hour and 30 minutes later, taste for salt and adjust to your liking, Burn off the gravy to the consistency you like and be sure to make sure it’s a tender as you like it. Now add the liver, heart and kidney and cook for a further 5 minutes. Then toss in the wiri wiri peppers, along with the chopped cilantro and you’re DONE!

Birds Eye Peppers (bird pepper) is a great substitute to the Wiri Wiri peppers or you can leave that out if heat is not your thing. If you’re based in the Caribbean and cannot source the cilantro (coriander), be sure to use Shado Beni (chadon beni or culantro)

The curry on it’s own is just magnificent, however should you have the ability to cook this over a wood fire – the taste is just INCREDIBLE! The smoke adds a lovely layer of flavor you can never achieve on the stove-top.

If you can, please support. And should you have questions about this recipe or anything food related, be sure to Ask Chris.

Gluten Free Vegan

Curry Chataigne (breadnut / Katahar) The Best Vegan / Gluten Free Dish You’ll Ever Eat.

I’ve talked about it before! In the Caribbean we do #vegan naturally and what I mean by that is.. we don’t take 15 grains and try to make a burger. We would take those 15 grains (for example) and make several dishes out of them. This Chataigne (aka breadnut) is a delicious example of how we do vegetarian dishes naturally – just part of the commonplace culinary landscape. And to be honest, until the recent Vegan/Vegetarian movement, we didn’t even notice how many of our everyday dishes fall into the “category”.

You’ll Need…

3 medium Chatagine (breadnut)
2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion (sliced)
3 tablespoon curry powder
3/4 cup water to cook the curry
1 scotch bonnet (sliced)
5-8 cloves of garlic (divided)
1 tablespoon anchar masalla
1 1/2 tablespoon roasted geera / divided (cumin)
1 1/2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
3 cups coconut milk
3 pimento peppers (diced fine)

Important! If doing this recipe #glutenfree please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs. Especially the curry powder as some may contain flour.

I’d recommend that you watch the video below featuring my mom and dad along with following with this recipe. As some elements may be better described there.

Rub your hands with coconut or vegetable oil (not mentioned in the ingredients list above). This will form a protective barrier so the natural sap off the Chatainge will not stain and discolor your hands. Using a sharp knife, peel the Chataigne, then cut into segments. Remove the core and discard. Then peel or shred off layers of the inside (very cabbage-like at this point). There will be seeds that you can include in the dish. If you choose to use the seeds (we used about 30%) you will need to remove the tough outer skin (discard) and slice the seeds in half.

Give everything a good wash in cool water and drain. Then heat the oil in a large heavy pot on a medium flame. It’s now time to add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Now add the curry powder cook 2 minutes to cook off any rawness (you’ll get this rawness at the end if you don’t cook it off now). Add 3/4 cup water, stir well. Go in with the scotch bonnet pepper and 3 cloves garlic grated… followed by 1/2 of the Geera and Anchar Masalla. Stir well, then add the Caribbean Green Seasoning and cook for 2-3 minutes. You will have a lovely thick slurry with a captivating aroma.

It’s now time to start adding the cleaned and prepared Chataigne along with any seeds you decide on using to the pot. As you do, please try to stir. It will seem like a lot at the start but it will wilt down. Do remember to add the salt at this point as well.

Cook for about 5 minutes, then add the coconut milk. My dad grated a couple dried coconuts from which my mom made freshly squeezed coconut milk (watch the video).

Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook gently with the lid on. 1/2 hr later, we topped it with the remaining garlic (whole cloves) and continued on that gentle simmer (lid on).

Be sure to stir the pot every 15 minutes or so. After 2 hours, add the minced Pimento peppers, mix in well and continue cooking. Yes it does take a while to cook until it’s tender and bursting with flavors. You’ll appreciate the time it takes to cook once you taste this Curry Chataigne.

Bearing in mind that it took 3 hours on that gentle simmer to cook, the last 10 minutes is when you’ll add the last of the roast Geera (ground cumin) and mix in well.

At the 3 hour mark you will have burned off all the liquid and the Chataigne will be tender and ready to enjoy with Sada or Buss-Up-Shut Roti. A CLASSIC Caribbean vegetable curry courtesy of my mom and dad. Much luv and thanks to them for sharing such a traditional recipe with us.

If you can, please support. And should you have questions about this recipe or anything food related, be sure to Ask Chris.