TASTE OF CARIBBEAN
Rice is a beloved favourite in Caribbean cooking. In fact, one of the nation’s most iconic dishes is the simply delicious ‘Rice and Peas’ loved as much as a main as it is a side to beautiful meats, fish, curries and more. As well as rice, other key ingredients in Caribbean cuisine include seafood, tropical fruits, and spices. With seafood being so abundant in the Caribbean, it is a staple at mealtimes.
Spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger and thyme are used in many dishes, adding depth and complexity to the flavours. The use of spices in Caribbean cuisine is influenced by the region’s African heritage.
Tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and pineapples are also commonly used in Caribbean dishes, adding sweetness and a burst of flavour.
Caribbean cuisine can be divided into two main categories: island and mainland.
Island cuisine includes the food of countries such as Jamaica, Barbados, and the Bahamas, and is known for its spicy and flavourful dishes, including jerk chicken, curry goat, and saltfish. These dishes are often served with rice and peas, which is a staple in island cuisine. Rice and peas is a dish made with rice, kidney beans, coconut milk, and spices, and is often served with a variety of meat or seafood dishes.
Conversely, mainland cuisine includes the food of countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It’s known for its use of plantains, yucca, and other starchy vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), ropa vieja (shredded beef), and mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork). These dishes are often served with beans, rice, or plantains.
Caribbean cuisine is so unique as it is a blend of so many influences, including African, European, Chinese and indigenous cultures, resulting in a diverse and flavourful culinary tradition.
Rice is one of the mainstays of Caribbean cooking and is used in a variety of dishes, including rice and peas, arroz con pollo, and paella. Rice is versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including steamed, fried, or boiled, and served with many foods.
DID YOU KNOW?
The national dish of Jamaica is Ackee and Saltfish which can be eaten at any time of the day and is mainly eaten with white rice. Ackee is toxic if not prepared properly!
Rice and beans, known as “arroz con habichuelas” in Spanish, is a staple dish throughout the Caribbean.
Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavours.
Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African, European, Indigenous, and Asian culinary traditions.
“Sofrito,” a mixture of onions, peppers, garlic and spices, is a key ingredient in many Caribbean dishes and is used to add flavour and depth to recipes.
Seafood is a major part of Caribbean cuisine, with popular dishes including Jamaican jerk shrimp, Trinidadian curried crab, and Bahamian conch fritters.
Plantains, a member of the banana family, are a common ingredient in Caribbean cuisine and can be prepared in a variety of ways, including fried, mashed, or boiled.
Caribbean desserts often feature tropical fruits, such as mangoes, papayas, and coconuts.
Barbados is known for its flying fish, which is often served fried or in a stew.
The national dish of Trinidad and Tobago is “callaloo,” a stew made with leafy green vegetables and often includes crab, shrimp, or salted meat. It is often served with rice.
Goat meat is a common protein in Caribbean cuisine and is often used in stews and curries.
THE SIGNATURE FLAVOUR OF THE CARIBBEAN FOOD
Meats
Seafood, including fish, shrimp, and lobster, is widely available and commonly used in Caribbean cuisine.
Chicken is a popular protein in Caribbean cuisine and is used in dishes like jerk chicken and curry chicken.
Goat meat is another common protein in Caribbean cuisine and is often used in stews and curries.
Vegetables
Okra is a staple vegetable in Caribbean cuisine, often used in soups, stews, and rice dishes.
Root vegetables such as yams and cassava are common in Caribbean cuisine and often used in stews and other dishes.
Peppers, including habaneros, Scotch bonnets, and jalapenos, are used in many Caribbean dishes to add spice and flavour.
Leafy greens such as callaloo, spinach, and cabbage are also popular and used in dishes like soups and stews.
Fruits
Coconuts are also commonly used in Caribbean cooking, and their meat and milk are used in a variety of dishes and drinks.
Plantains have the appearance of a banana and the taste of sweet potato and are often fried and salted for a savoury snack or side dish
Mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and bananas are all a major part of Caribbean cuisine
Citrus fruits, including limes and oranges, are used in many Caribbean dishes, especially in marinades and sauces.
WHICH RICE FOR CARIBBEAN CUISINE?
Each variety brings something different so choosing the right type of rice for your dish is important. Your meals deserve the best, so let’s take it to the next level and create authentic plates that impress.
For a simple and heart-warming traditional Caribbean food , only Long Grain rice — the original multitasker — will do. So, try our Easy Cook Long Grain and Golden Sella Basmati, known for its separate and robust grains which cooks up beautifully in Caribbean one-pot dishes.
Explore rice for Caribbean cuisinesEXPLORE ANOTHER CUISINE
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