#caribbean cuisine

[morethansalad]

Vegan Jamaican Bowl

[forgedfromlove]

Recipe: Trinidadian Pows

A Caribbean version of bao, this delicacy was brought over to Trinidad by Chinese and Cantonese indentured laborers, and remains a firm favorite among Trinis. Recipe taken from the Naparima Girls’ Cookbook. Photo courtesy of Renz from This Bago Girl.

POW (CHINESE SAVOURY BUNS)

Makes 12

3¼ cups flour

1 tsp. salt

½ cup granulated sugar

1 packet instant yeast (1 tbsp.)

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup warm water

Filling

1 cup water

1½ Ibs. boneless pork, (minced)

1 tsp. crushed garlic

½ tsp. minced ginger

2 tbsp. sugar

4 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. oil

½ cup finely chopped onion

1 tbsp. cornflour

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. sherry or wine

1/2 cup water

METHOD

In a large bowl combine flour, salt, 1/2 cup sugar and yeast.

2. Combine oil and warm water; pour into flour.

3. Mix until dough holds together.

4. Place on lightly floured board and knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes.).

5. Place in greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour or more).

6. Season pork with garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

7. Fry meat and seasoning in tablespoon oil over high heat (about 8 minutes.).

8. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes more.

9. Combine cornflour, 2 teaspoons sugar, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, sherry and ½ cup water; stir into meat mixture and cook until mixture thickens.

10. When dough is raised turn on a lightly floured board and knead for 1 minute.

11. Divide in 12 equal pieces.

12. Roll each in 4½" diameter, with outer edges slightly thinner.

13. Place 2 tablespoons filling in centre of each circle. Pull edges of dough around and twist to seal.

14. Place each bun on a piece of foil. Cover and let rise until puffy (30 minutes).

15. Steam for 12-15 minutes.

VARIATION: Chicken, shrimp or any other meat could be used instead of pork.

Now go and enjoy yuh sweet hand!!!

[caribbeanvibesblog]

Lunch is Carrot fried rice, stew lentil peas, coconut fish and fresh salad....

[fieriframes]

[SAYS YOU GOTTA CHECK IT OUT, YOU CHECK IT OUT. THIS IS MARLA'S CARIBBEAN CUISINE. WRITINGS LAID OUT THE FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINES OF EARLY STOICISM TO THE TWIN CITIES. GOAT AND RICE.]

[havatabanca]

[grandoldhousecayman]

A Beginner's Guide to Caribbean Cuisine: What to Expect When Dining in the Cayman

Caribbean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, colorful presentation, and cultural influences. If you're a food enthusiast, visiting the Cayman Islands is a must, as the local cuisine provides an unforgettable culinary experience.

As a beginner to Caribbean cuisine, you may be curious about what to expect when fine dining in the Cayman. Here's a guide to help you navigate the flavors and dishes of this exciting cuisine.

1. Get Ready for Bold Spices

Caribbean cuisine is all about bold spices and seasonings, which may be overpowering for those new to the cuisine. The flavors are meant to be robust and vivid, and the heat level can vary from mild to very spicy. Be prepared to taste a variety of seasonings, including allspice, ginger, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers.

2. Fresh Seafood is a Must-Try

The Cayman Islands are surrounded by clear, turquoise waters, making seafood a staple in Caribbean cuisine. You'll find various fish, including snapper, mahi-mahi, and tuna, as well as shellfish like lobster, conch, and shrimp. Don't miss trying some of the local seafood dishes, such as fish stew, conch fritters, and grilled lobster.

3. Plantains are a Caribbean Staple

Plantains are a member of the banana family and a staple in Caribbean cuisine. They're usually served as a side dish and can be prepared in different ways, including boiled, fried, or mashed. Plantains can be sweet or savory and are often served alongside dishes like jerk chicken, rice and beans, and curry dishes.

4. Don't Forget the Rum

Rum is the drink of choice in the Caribbean, and you'll find it in many of the island's signature cocktails. Some of the most popular rum cocktails include the Cayman Lemonade, Pina Colada, and the Rum Punch. If you're a rum enthusiast, don't miss trying some of the local rum blends made on the island.

5. Try Local Dishes for an Authentic Experience

To truly experience Caribbean cuisine, don't hesitate to try some of the local dishes. Some of the most popular local dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, ackee and saltfish, and callaloo soup. You'll find these dishes at local restaurants and street vendors, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations.

In conclusion, dining in the Cayman Islands provides an exceptional and unforgettable culinary experience. Embrace the bold flavors and spices, indulge in fresh seafood, and try some of the local dishes and rum blends for an authentic Caribbean experience.

Read more at A Beginner’s Guide to Caribbean Cuisine: What to Expect When Dining in the Cayman

[sbrown82]

Black culture in Bluefields, Nicaragua! ✊🏿🇳🇮

#HappyHispanicHeritageMonth

[bibleofficial]

we’re never making it out. i’m killing myself

[iloveethnicities]

Feasting and communal meals are integral to Afro-Bahamian religious and cultural practices, reflecting the deep interconnection between spirituality, community, and sustenance. These gatherings often transcend the act of eating, serving as sacred moments of fellowship, ritualistic devotion, and cultural continuity. The tradition draws from African ancestral practices, where food and communal sharing symbolize unity, respect for the divine, and a way of honoring the spirits of ancestors.

In Afro-Bahamian religious contexts, such as Obeah, Junkanoo-related ceremonies, and syncretic Christian traditions, feasting is not merely a social event. It frequently marks a spiritual occasion such as a birth, death, healing ritual, or a religious festival. The preparation and sharing of food can be seen as a form of offering to deities, spirits, or ancestors. Specific dishes are often prepared with spiritual intent, incorporating elements believed to attract blessings, protection, or favor.

For example, certain foods might be imbued with spiritual power through prayer or rituals before being shared. The act of eating together is often accompanied by singing, drumming, and storytelling, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. The communal meal becomes a sacred space for the transmission of oral traditions, collective worship, and spiritual rejuvenation.

Types of Foods

The foods served during these gatherings are steeped in symbolic meaning and are typically influenced by African culinary traditions, local ingredients, and colonial history. Staples include rice, peas, fish, cassava, plantains, and various root vegetables. Dishes like pigeon peas and rice, conch salad, and fried fish often take center stage. Additionally, specific herbs and spices might be included for their purported spiritual or medicinal properties.

Traditional beverages, such as bush teas made from local plants, may also feature prominently. These drinks are sometimes believed to have protective or purifying qualities, particularly when consumed during spiritual ceremonies.

Role in Mourning and Ancestor Worship

In Afro-Bahamian mourning practices, communal meals are essential components of wakes and other post-funeral rituals. These meals serve dual purposes: comforting the grieving family and honoring the deceased. Special foods might be prepared to reflect the tastes or cultural identity of the departed, and portions are sometimes symbolically set aside for the ancestors or spirits.

These events often include prayers and libations, where drinks or portions of food are poured out as offerings to the spirits. The shared meal thus becomes a bridge between the living and the dead, reinforcing communal bonds and the continuity of the spiritual lineage.

During festivals like Junkanoo, feasting takes on a celebratory character. Massive spreads of traditional dishes are prepared, and eating together becomes a way of celebrating cultural identity and resilience. These meals are often accompanied by music, dance, and vibrant storytelling, reflecting the joyful and communal spirit of the occasion.

In healing rituals, communal meals might feature foods prepared according to specific spiritual instructions. For instance, participants may fast or abstain from certain foods before the ritual and then break the fast together with a specially prepared meal. The act of eating together reinforces communal support and symbolizes the restoration of balance and harmony within the individual and the group.

Cultural and Social Dimensions

Beyond their spiritual importance, feasting and communal meals in Afro-Bahamian religious practices function as social equalizers. They create spaces where community members of all ages and social standings can come together as equals. The preparation of these meals often involves collective effort, further fostering unity and cooperation.

Feasting and communal meals in Afro-Bahamian religious traditions are deeply symbolic acts that blend spiritual, cultural, and social elements. They provide a platform for honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude to the divine, fostering communal ties, and celebrating shared heritage. These gatherings continue to serve as a vital expression of Afro-Bahamian identity and spirituality, ensuring that the traditions of the past are preserved and passed down through generations.

[alvallah]

confession : I'm only vaguely aware of plantains existing as concept from doing research for a banana post a while ago. but don't actually know what they are tbh or what you'd even do with them ?? don't think I've ever seen one irl ? hope you get some soon though

They’re slightly larger than a banana and usually darker, but look just like them otherwise. They also have a similar texture to bananas but they taste almost like potatoes. They’re one of the biggest staples in Caribbean cuisines and west African cuisines alongside rice. You can fry them, bake them, mash them, dry them into little chips (just like you can with bananas). So basically they’re like the savory version of a banana and pair well with rice, beans, chicken, pork, beef, stir fry, etc. or you can fry them on their own and dip the slices into a condiment of your choice for a snack. They’re excellent for people shopping on a budget because they’re super cheap, filling and versatile.

For your viewing pleasure:

Mofongo (Caribbean) —mashed plantains

Fried plantain slices

Plantain chips

Fufu (West African) —dough made of plantains and cassava (cassava is a plant responsible for the texture of tapioca).

Tostones (Latin American/Caribbean) —deep fried plantains

[trendynewsnow]

25 Best Restaurants to Eat in the United States

In the Where to Eat: 25 Best Series We’re shining a spotlight on our top restaurant picks in cities across the United States. This curated list will be regularly updated as new dining spots emerge and others close their doors. Our recommendations are based on personal experiences, as we always pay for our meals and do not accept complimentary dishes. Banshee Location: East Atlanta | Cuisine:…

[morethansalad]

Vegan Jamaican Power Bowl (Gluten-Free)

[forgedfromlove]

East Indian Divali food from Trinidad! From @tasteoftrinbago on Instagram.

[caribbeanvibesblog]

Jerk wings, curry mutton with rice and peas,

And home made coleslaw 😋

[fieriframes]

[Oh, you don't know about the African/Caribbean cuisine, I mean, with the roti and the goat stew?]

[havatabanca]