Caribbean and total mix. There, we can find African, European, American and Pacific influences. The cuisine of the Caribbean is therefore an extremely broad concept, because we can only talk about certain points of contact in the entire mesh of flavors and colors. In no case can we talk about the fact that Caribbean flavors are a closed matter – in fact, it is an irresistible treasury of inspiration, thanks to which there will be no time for boredom on our tables 🙂
Caribbean cuisine full of joy
The climate of the Caribbean favors not only the appropriate style of dress, but also the rhythm of the day, and thus also the right way of eating. Meals even grow there to the rank of rituals, which are celebrated with the greatest care. Joint meals are an opportunity to meet, talk, everyone shares the joys and sorrows of the passing day. It is a bit reminiscent of the style of southern Europe, where the focal point of the day is a hearty dinner, which is eaten in the early evening with the family. Feasting usually lasts till late hours, but who would look at it when the atmosphere of smile and feasting spreads to everyone, right?
In the Caribbean heat, it’s hard to imagine eating heavy, high-calorie meals dominated by thick sauces or fatty meats. Here, lightness and freshness reign, dishes seduce with taste, smell and beautiful appearance. The day starts with a small breakfast, usually very light. It is not difficult to prepare a meal of local fruit, which is very juicy and temptingly sweet. They give energy to work and maintain a good mood. During the day, hardly anyone is really hungry, given the really high temperatures. You drink a lot of refreshing drinks and bites small snacks. But as soon as the day goes west …
Imagine richly laid tables, bending with a multitude of colorful dishes that tempt with the aroma itself. They are often light grilled fish, meats seasoned with nose-turning spices. Locals extremely care about the aesthetics of the dishes served: a lot of colorful sauces and natural ingredients. The feast cannot take place without the accompaniment of local music, someone will start singing, others slowly get up to dance – fun at all. And all this in the company of drinks based on rum or fruit punches. Joy, laughter – these are simply the Caribbean.
Every island has other specialties
It is difficult to talk about any culinary monolith in this case. Caribbean cuisine is primarily a variety of flavors. Yes, there are certain standards, but they will never taste the same everywhere – and this is the charm of the Caribbean. We may know some dishes, their ingredients, we can imagine the taste, but we can never be sure that they will taste like a book. Each chef has his secrets and all the beauty lies in discovering the nuances, in tasting secrets. And most importantly – thanks to that we will never be bored!
In addition to explicit European and colonial accents, Caribbean cuisine is defined by Indian, African and even Chinese or Indian accents. Take for example the chapali pies from Trinidad, stuffed with meat, seafood or curry vegetables. On the one hand, you can talk about Caribbean cuisine in general, on the other, each individual island tastes a little different and its cuisine has its own characteristics. One must not forget about the contribution of indigenous people. It was the Arawaks who invented the grill, which we still admire in Europe today.
Caribbean cuisine: what is it all about?
The main ingredients that can be found in each of the Caribbean cuisines are: rice, tropical fruit – mainly coconuts and coconut milk, fresh seafood and fish, and a number of spices, e.g. coriander, chillies, as well as vegetables, such as sweet sweet potatoes and cassava tubers . Typical Caribbean dishes include: accras (minced and deep-fried fish), bluff (fish or shellfish stew stewed in wine and broth), lambi (cone salad seasoned with lime juice), crabes farcis (stuffed land crabs), colombo (spicy chicken or goat meat stew with coriander, cumin, mustard, ginger and pepper), acras de morue (spicy fried french fries of cod meat in the French Antilles), fish soup , as well as christophene > or tropical pumpkin.
And how? We are already drooling at the thought, and that’s not all … Soon we will be back to the Caribbean to share with you the delicacies from individual islands, so wait patiently – it will happen! 🙂
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