Caribbean cuisine
Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of African,[1] Amerindian, European,[1] East Indian, Arab and Chinese cuisine. These traditions were brought from many different countries when they came to the Caribbean.[1] In addition, the population has created styles that are unique to the region.
Ingredients which are common in most islands' dishes are rice, plantains, beans, cassava, cilantro (coriander), bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and any of various meats that are locally available like beef, poultry, pork or fish. A characteristic seasoning for the region is a green herb and oil based marinade which imparts a flavor profile which is quintessentially Caribbean in character. Ingredients may include garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. This green seasoning is used for a variety of dishes like curries, stews and roasted meats.[2]
Traditional dishes are so important to regional culture that, for example, the local version of Caribbean goat stew has been chosen as the official national dish of Montserrat and is also one of the signature dishes of St. Kitts and Nevis. Another popular dish in the Anglophone Caribbean is called "Cook-up", or Pelau. Ackee and saltfish is another popular dish that is unique to Jamaica. Callaloo is a dish containing leafy vegetables and sometimes okra amongst others, widely distributed in the Caribbean, with a distinctively mixed African and indigenous character.
The variety of dessert dishes in the area also reflects the mixed origins of the recipes. In some areas, Black Cake, a derivative of English Christmas pudding may be served, especially on special occasions.
By location
Anguillian cuisine
Antigua and Barbuda cuisine
Aruban cuisine
Barbadian Cuisine
Bahamian cuisine
Belizean cuisine
Cayman Islands cuisine
Cuban cuisine
Dominica cuisine
Dominican Republic cuisine
Grenadan cuisine
Guyanese cuisine
Haitian cuisine
Jamaican cuisine
Cajun cuisine
Martinique cuisine
Puerto Rican cuisine
Trinidad and Tobago cuisine
British Virgin Islands cuisine
United States Virgin Islands cuisine
Venezuelan cuisine
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Cuisine." (Caribbean.) Bahamabreeze.com. Accessed July 2011.
- ^ Caribbean Green Seasoning Recipe
