One thing you can say about every Caribbean meal is its incredible flavor. Although it is commonly believed that Caribbean food is spicy, they are packed with layers upon layers of flavor. There are many spicy dishes, but the spice is not the main attraction.
JAMAICAN PATENTS
These patties are sweet, spicy, flakey, and delicious. You’ll want to buy a lot of them. Cakes made with beef, saltfish, chicken, and beef will be available along with various seasonings. You will have the best experience if you make your patties. However, if you are looking for Caribbean take-out or a Caribbean restaurant to order them, it is worth going to the trouble of making your own.
OXTAIL STEW
Oxtail soup or stew is excellent for beef lovers who love rich, meaty flavors. This stew feels like a warm hug, full of spices such as thyme and curry blend, green spice, and allspice.
The meat is so tender that it will easily fall off the bone. This leaves you with succulent, perfectly seasoned beef in a rich broth. Although oxtail is a popular cut of meat, its flavor is unique. It’s also possible to make simple dishes from oxtail, such as instant pot braised oxtail or butter beans.
RICE AND PEAS
If you haven’t tried Caribbean rice or peas before, likely, you haven’t had any rice or peas. Coconut milk gives the rice a distinct flavor, making it creamy and delicious.
Gungo or kidney beans can bring many flavors to your table. Each family will have its recipe for seasoning. It doesn’t matter where you have your rice or peas; the herb will differ each time. There are some basic seasonings that you will find: chili, garlic, and scallions. But the rest of them will be different.
SALTFISH FRITTERS
These cakes are tiny but mighty. They pack a lot of flavor in a small package. These cakes are ubiquitous in West Indian cuisine. They pack a salty punch and will pique your appetite.
After being mixed with flour and herbs, the saltfish can be cut into small circles and fried in hot olive oil. These golden morsels taste great because they are crispy outside, flaky in the middle, and deliciously crunchy inside. Saltfish is a favorite of many people. Get saltfish at every opportunity.
PEPPERPOT
You’ll find more vegetables in this large pot than you can handle. There will be potatoes, squashes, okra, and aubergine – everything fresh and sound in the pepperpot. This is the best option for vegetarians. However, meat lovers will find plenty of beef. It is seasoned with black pepper, coconut milk, and thyme.
