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Caribbean cuisine is an exciting fusion of culinary influences from all over the world.
Counting dozens of countries like Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago in its mosaic of tropical islands, the cuisine has absorbed an eclectic mix of tropical flavours with some defining characteristics.
Capturing the flavours of the Caribbean most recipes champion locally grown ingredients like tropical fruits, rice, plantains, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, coconut, and various meats like beef, poultry, pork and seafood given a lift with garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme.
Here are a few of the must-try dishes in tropical Caribbean cuisine that'll whisk you away to island life and leave you dreaming of glistening white beaches and turquoise waters lapping at your toes ...
Caribbean Cuisine
1. Callaloo
A post shared by Nourishment_Fitness (@nourishment_fit) on Jan 2, 2019 at 12:46pm PST
This leafy vegetable stew comes in various different combinations, depending on where it's being made. Try making it in this callaloo recipe.
2. Rice and Beans
A post shared by America's Test Kitchen (@testkitchen) on Jan 4, 2019 at 7:01am PST
This dish is a stalwart of Caribbean cuisine. Try this rice and beans recipe from the New York Times.
3. Goat Curry
A post shared by Food (@instagrub_) on Jan 7, 2019 at 8:44am PST
This classic Jamaican dish champions slow cooked tender fall apart goat meat in an unctuous sauce. Discover the fiery recipe here.
4. Jerk Chicken
A post shared by Caribbean Eats (@eatingthecaribbean) on Jan 15, 2019 at 6:19am PST
This beloved dish has a following around the world where hot and spicy barbecued chicken is one of the tastiest finger foods around! Here's Ramsay's take on Jerk Chicken.
5. Cuban Sandwich
A post shared by Carlos R-O Z (@elcharlas) on Jan 9, 2019 at 1:46pm PST
Ham, cheese and pickles don't get much better than in this sandwich combo. So good infact, it's been exported further afield. Here's the recipe from Epicurious.
6. Pelau
Local dish from Trinidad. ?? #pelau #trinidadianfood #food #caribbeanfood #trinifood
A post shared by Cuisine Delights (@cuisinedelights) on Dec 25, 2018 at 11:33am PST
It's easy to see why this traditional Trinidadian one-pot dish of caramelised chicken pilaf is a family favourite. Find the Pelau recipe here.
7. Ackee and Saltfish
#ackeeandsaltfish #frenchcollagecaterers
A post shared by frenchcollagecaterers (@frenchcollagecaterers) on Jan 10, 2019 at 11:42am PST
This popular dish of salted cod with boiled ackee, onions, Scotch Bonnet peppers, tomatoes and spices is an all-round favourite. Find an authentic recipe here.
8. Tostones
Twice fried plantain chips are the unmissable Caribbean side dish. Discover how to make tasty tostones here.
9. Papaya
This flavourful and vibrant coloured tropical fruit is one of the most popular fruits in the Caribbean. It' wonderful enjoyed fresh for breakfast, in salads, stews and even cocktails with another favourite, rum. Here's how to slice it and cook with it.
