When I think of Jamaican cooking, I think of my Jamaican friend, Michelle. I've known her for several years now and she get's a big smile on her face when she thinks about her native country and their wonderful foods. She is constantly having a debate with Americans over whether it is "jerked" or "jerk" chicken. The one thing that everyone agrees upon is that it is delicious. It is the combination of seasonings that gives this dish its unique flavor. Since, I haven't prepared alot of these type dishes, you will find some of Michelle's and her families favorite dishes. I know that she loves to prepare goat and ox tail. I have to admit that I have never cooked or tasted either. However, I have enjoyed the taste of wonderful goat cheeses found right here in my little community. Michelle has provided me with some of her families favorite and sacred recipes. One of these dishes is Fricasseed Chicken. This is the most popular way of cooking chicken in Jamaica. It is actually braising the poultry and is usually servied with rice and peas. They eat most dishes with rice and not potatoes. Curried goat is another popular dish and Jamaicans don't feel like it is a party unless it's served. Oxtail is often prepared in in a heavy saucepan or a pressure cooker with beans. Carrots, onions, and long dumplings are added to the wonderful gravy. Jamaican food is quite possibly the most diverse and delicious food type in the Caribbean. Among those foods, seafoods such as fish, lobster, and shrimp are used in some of the most popular Jamaican seafood recipes. These items are usually prepared jerk, steamed, grilled, curry, barbequed, and stewed.
Escoveitched fish is very popular and is eaten from morning until night. The fish is fried and picked in a tasty sauce of vinegar and spices made ahead of time. Then, garnished with onions, chocho, and carrots. Let's talk about foods that cater to our sweet tooth. Fruits, such as mangos, bananas, and pineapple were brought to Jamacia by slave traders and plantation owners who enjoyed experimenting with their crops. Sweet potatoes can be used for pudding that is baked in an iron dutch pot or oven with live coals. The pudding cooks at the top and bottom at the same time. Well, it's time for us to begin our adventure with these wonderful dishes. The unknown is what makes cooking so exciting!
Coming Soon - Individual Recipes
Grandma's Jamaican Home Cooking
Make sure you visit Grandma's Gift Shop
