Caribbean Green Seasoning
Gluten Free Sauces & Condiments Vegetarian

Caribbean Green Seasoning.

Yes, I’ve shared a few Caribbean Green Seasoning videos on YouTube and Facebook, and while I have shared a version here on the website, that recipe dates back to 2009 and since then over 700 recipes have since buried it. Basically people are having a difficult time finding it. If you’re not familiar with Caribbean Green Season, it’s the go-to marinade for our poultry, meat, fish + seafood and vegan/vegetarian dishes.

You”ll Need…

750 ml Olive Oil
15-18 scallions
.226g (about 1/2 lb) garlic
3 cups chopped parsley
6 Pimento peppers (aka seasoning pepper)
2 Green Scotch Bonnet Peppers (see note below)
2 cups chopped Cilantro (coriander – see note below)
1 bundle Thyme (about 50-70 sprigs)
1 cup chopped celery (leaves)

5 Italian roaster Peppers

Note. Please watch the video below as I explain a few things concerning the ingredients of my (and potentially your) Caribbean Green Seasoning. Especially why I DO NOT recommend adding ginger, rosemary and basil. Further to what I mentioned, I find that since Basil is a delicate herb and, it’s better used fresh. If I had more seasoning peppers (Pimento) I’d use those instead and not the Italian Roaster Peppers (Cubanelle works too). Since I didn’t have time to drive to Toronto to get Chadon Beni (culantro) I opted for Cilantro. Usually my garden has Spanish Thyme (big leaf aka podina), sadly not this year. Should you do decide to use Rosemary and you have Spanish Thyme, do use sparingly as there are very pungent and can overwhelm your Green Seasoning. As explained in the video I use Olive or Grape Seed oil as my base as it helps to maintain the vibrant color and flavor of the finished green seasoning. Traditionally people use water or vinegar. Finally, you’ll notice I didn’t use any onion in my Green Seasoning, as I find that it diminishes the shelf-life of it (goes bad quickly).

Start by washing the ingredients really well, especially the cilantro which can have a bit of dirt still attached to the roots. In washing, remove dead leaves and other debris.

Allow them to air dry on a kitchen towel, then give everything a rough chop to make it easier for your blender or food processor. I much prefer using a food processor as I can get it to the perfect texture and consistency. I like it somewhat thick and with a bit of body as compared to most people who basically liquify it.

With the Thyme, you may use the tender stems, but PLEASE Remove the woody ones and discard. They may not break down in the food processor and become a choking hazard when you use the Green Seasoning later on in your meals.

Stack (in layers) some of each ingredient, add about 1/2 the oil and pulse with your food processor (yes, you can use a blender as well). Stop to scrape down the sides and to keep adding more of the herbs, garlic and peppers.

I like layering the ingredients as I find I get a much better combination at the end. I did mine in two batches as this lot will make a few containers of Caribbean Green Seasoning.

I then fill up containers (save the ones after use as the Green Seasoning smell and taste will taint them), BUT leave about a cm space to the lid. Then to the back of the fridge where they live for the next couple months… until it’s time to make another batch. They will keep for at lest 6 months in the fridge if you’re wondering. Additionally you can freeze the Green Seasoning in ice trays, pop them out, then into a freezer bag and store in the freezer. Every time you need some, pop a cube out, instead of having to thaw a full container.

Recipe Card

Prep Time 10 mins Total Time 10 mins
Servings: 10

Description

A large-batch version of Caribbean green seasoning, ideal for meal prep and frequent cooking. This traditional blend of fresh herbs, peppers, and aromatics is a cornerstone of Caribbean cuisine, used to marinate meats, season stews, and elevate everyday dishes with bold, authentic flavor.

Ingredients

Instructions

Video
  1. Wash all herbs and peppers thoroughly and allow them to air-dry. Roughly chop the herbs, garlic, and peppers to prep for blending. Remove woody stems from thyme; use only tender stems and leaves.
  2. In a food processor or blender, add half of the chopped ingredients and half of the olive oil. Pulse until the mixture begins to blend.
  3. In a food processor or blender, add half of the chopped ingredients and half of the olive oil. Pulse until the mixture begins to blend.

  4. Gradually add the remaining ingredients and olive oil, blending until the desired consistency is achieved.

  5. Transfer the green seasoning to clean glass jars, leaving about 1 cm (½ inch) of space at the top.

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Meat & Poultry Seafood

How to make the green seasoning paste that’s so unique to Caribbean cuisine.

The one key ingredient when it comes to cooking any meat or fish dish in the Caribbean, is the green seasoning mix that’s used in the marinating process. Before we go on I’d like to mention a couple things. This recipe usually calls for 2 key ingredients “shado beni” and “Spanish thyme” (aka podina), both of which I can’t get readily get here in Canada, unless I source out a Thai or Caribbean specialty store. For the “shado beni” I’ve substituted in cilantro, which is somewhat similar but less pungent and I’ve left out the Spanish thyme. If you’re based in the Caribbean or can get those 2 ingredients, please use with caution since they can easily overpower the green seasoning with it’s strong flavors. I also couldn’t get the pimento peppers, so I opted for 1 banana pepper, but you can also use a Cubanelle

There are several variations of this seasoning mix, but this is one that I’ve tested and perfected over the years.

You’ll need…

1 bundle of Cilantro (about 1-2 cups)
1 stalk of celery (include leaves if you have it)
1 head or garlic (about 11 cloves)
4 green onions (scallions)
1 bunch of fresh thyme (about 3/4 cup)
1/4 cup of water
pinch of salt (optional)
2-3 shallots (optional)
2 pimento peppers (1 banana pepper or 1 Cubanelle)

*Food processor or blender.

Peel, trim and wash the ingredients and let drain.

caribbean-green-seasoning

Then rough-cut into smaller pieces so it’s easier to manage and work in the blender or food processor.

how-to-make-trinidad-green-creole-seasoning
creole-seasoning-mix-trinidad

Add all the ingredients into your food processor or as in my case,  a blender (I’m sure my wife is mad at me for showing you our prehistoric blender)… including the water. You may be required to move around or push down the ingredients occasionally so it all gets worked by the blades.

trinidad-green-seasoning-recipe

Personally I like to liquify my blend to the consistency of pesto or even a bit more liquid. However you have the choice at this point to make a bit more chunky-like if you wish.

creole-trinidad-seasoning

After a few pulse actions you’ll find that everything blends together quite easily. Here’s a picture of the finished green seasoning :

green-seasoning-caribbean

Storage Tips!

From this batch I have a plastic container that I pour half into and keep in the fridge for everyday use, the other half I pour into a freezer zip lock bag and freeze until I get through the batch in the fridge. Since you probably won’t be using the seasoning as much as I do, I suggest you divide it into 3-4 portions, keeping 1 in the fridge (can last for 2-3 months) and freeze the rest.

You can also get a couple ice cube trays from the dollar store and fill each ice cube area 1/4 up with the seasoning mix and then freeze. Then when it’s frozen, you can dump the cubes into a freezer bag and place back in the freezer. Now whenever you’re cooking, all you have to do is grab a cube and use.

You’ll notice that after time the once brilliant green color will go darker, don;t be alarmed. That’s natural!

Happy cooking

Be sure to leave me your comments or suggestions.

Forgot to mention… this makes about 3 cups of green seasoning.

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