Coco Bread

Similar to a fluffy American dinner roll, coco bread is a sweet, buttery bread that’s usually paired with a beef patty (more on that in a moment), veggies or jam. Learn how to make coco bread at home in just five easy steps.

Beef Patty

If you’re wondering what is Jamaica’s most popular food, beef patties are definitely in the running. It’s the Jamaican recipe that locals cannot get enough of! It’s a simple pastry of a buttery flaky crust filled with minced beef. It’s so good, Jamaican beef patties are eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Curry Goat

This is a notoriously precarious meal to prepare! But when it’s done right, it’s a glorious dish. Because it’s not easy to make, curry goat is often served at special occasions and family gatherings. The leftovers make a popular lunch perfect for any day of the week, especially when served with white rice or roti.

Curry Chicken

Like curry goat, curry chicken is a dish inspired by Indian influence in Jamaica. The chicken is cut into bite-sized portions, sprinkled liberally with Indian curry spices and sauteed in freshly cut herbs. It’s a versatile dish that can be had for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The only unwritten rule is that curry dishes should be had with white rice instead of rice and peas, but everyone has their preference.

Oxtail

One of the most expensive dishes on any Jamaican restaurant menu is oxtail. But Jamaicans will say it’s worth every dollar. Because of its price tag, oxtail is often reserved for special occasions like Christmas or family gatherings. It’s typically stewed with mixed herbs and spices and paired with beans.

Rice and Peas

This is Jamaica’s twist on rice and beans. The dish is usually prepared with a rice of your choice and kidney beans and served as the main side on a Sunday for dinner. Spiced with coconut milk, scallions and thyme, rice and peas is the perfect accompaniment to most meat dishes. Braised oxtail, Jerk chicken or a Caribbean chicken recipe are all perfect options to pair with rice and peas.

Rum Cake

This Christmas cake is one of the most well-known Jamaican desserts. Dubbed a rum cake because of the infusion of rum into the fruits used to make the cake and in the cake batter itself, Jamaican rum cake is a common marker of the festive season. By the way, these are the best Jamaican rum brands.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a commonly had vegetable in Jamaica, but it’s not typically eaten on its own. While it can be steamed with just bell peppers and onions, it’s usually steamed with saltfish or corned beef, too, like in an easy Jamaican Cabbage and Saltfish recipe.

Jerk Chicken

Jerk chicken is Jamaica’s staple street food, perfect for a Friday dinner or a weekend road trip lunch. This spicy chicken dish is made unique by a special blend of herbs and spices roasted over pimento wood. Learn how to make your own jerk seasoning here.

Carrot Juice

Vegetable juices and fruit juices are very popular in Jamaica. In a traditional Jamaican household on Sundays, there will be a freshly made pitcher of vegetable juice, preferably carrot juice.

Ackee and Saltfish

Jamaica’s national dish is one of the most popular Jamaican recipes to make this list. Ackee is a brightly colored fruit that is inedible until cooked. To prepare it, ackee must be boiled until tender and seasoned with salt, pepper and complementary herbs of choice. Saltfish, also known as codfish, is the meat component of this Jamaican recipe. Try it with roasted breadfruit!

Coconut Water

Complete the Jamaican experience by downing some fresh coconut water from the fruit or the bottle. Coconut water is said to be a cleanser of the heart. We don’t know how true that it is, but it is definitely refreshing. Have a refreshing sip with any of the Jamaican recipes in this list.

Breadfruit

Breadfruit is a fruit Jamaicans like to use as an affordable starch substitute. This large fruit is typically prepared by boiling, frying or roasting. Breadfruit is a vibrant green fruit that goes well with jerk chicken and just about any meat dish.

Up Next: Caribbean-Inspired Recipes for a Tropical Escape

The post 13 Traditional Jamaican Foods, According to a Local appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What Is Jerk Seasoning?

This seasoning blend is a fusion of everyday herbs and spices, like allspice, thyme and nutmeg, plus onions and Scotch bonnet peppers—even a little brown sugar. The seasoning delivers the lively flavor behind world-renowned jerk chicken. You can buy jerk seasoning in a store as a powder or marinade, but with a good recipe, it’s easy to make your own jerk seasoning at home.

To truly understand jerk seasoning, there’s one thing you should know: the term “jerk” describes both the process of cooking as well as the seasoning blend itself.

History of Jerk Seasoning in Jamaica

The well-loved spice blend has been around for more than a century. It is said that both the jerk process and seasoning were designed by the Maroons (people who had escaped slavery) who learned how to cook meat without the release of smoke and preserve meat with specific herbs and spices.

The Maroons would hunt and prepare wild boar by heavily coating the meat with the marinade to preserve it. Then, when it was time to cook, they dug holes, added firewood and placed the meat on top, then covered it all so no smoke would escape. This was done to avoid alerting the slave owners to their location.

The modern jerk cooking process is quite similar. Today, it includes smoking well-marinated meat over the greenwood of a pimento tree covered by big sheets of metal. But authentic jerk food spots in Jamaica will jerk the meat in a large “jerk pit” much like the Maroons did.

How to Make Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

To make this traditional Jamaican food, you’ll need the classic ingredients, but you can use a little creativity, too. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, avoid the notoriously hot Scotch bonnet peppers. Skipping the peppers will reduce the heat, but the other flavors will remain for you to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4-5 Scotch bonnet peppers
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 green onions
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons allspice
• Leaves from 3 sprigs thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon fresh gingerroot, diced

You can also add your own personal touch with ingredients from this list of spices and seasonings, or include common additions:

• Cayenne pepper
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Cumin
• Parsley

Directions

Once you’ve gathered all your ingredients, add them to a blender. Blend until completely combined. It’s as simple as that!

Jerk Seasoning Tips

How to Store Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Once you’ve made a batch of jerk seasoning, you can store it two ways.

• In a sealed mason jar, freshly made jerk seasoning can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
• For best results, use an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

How to Use Jerk Seasoning

Historically, jerk seasoning marinade has been used as a rub for chicken and pork, but you can use it on any tender meat of your choice. Restaurants in Kingston have also experimented with jerk chicken pasta. Make your own jerk chicken pasta by converting one of these creamy chicken pasta recipes. Or use it to amp up a pot of chicken soup!

Try These Recipes with Jerk Seasoning

The post What Is Jerk Seasoning? How to Make the Authentic Recipe at Home appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What Is Coco Bread?

Jamaican coco bread is a buttery, subtly sweet folded bread. It gets part of its name from the coconut milk used to impart tropical flavor. Without coconut milk, the ingredients for coco bread are surprisingly similar to fluffy American dinner rolls.

Like many traditional Jamaican foods, coco bread was born out of a need to make simple yet tasty food. This recipe is presumed to have been created by an enslaved person with few ingredients on hand. The result is a coconut-flavored bread that makes a hearty accompaniment to just about anything.

Coco bread is a major part of the Jamaican experience and is widely popular with local school children and working adults. It’s easy to understand why. This subtly sweet bread makes a perfect sandwich when paired with fish, vegetables or jam.

How to Make Jamaican Coco Bread

This recipe makes about 6 pieces of bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rapid rise yeast

Directions

Step 1: Prepare a baking sheet

Line a large baking sheet with greased parchment paper.

Step 2: Proof the yeast

Heat the coconut milk until warm. Then add the yeast, sugar, salt and 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the milk and stir until combined.

Step 3: Make the dough

Sift the flour into a medium bowl and add one teaspoon of salt.

Then, slowly add the coconut milk mixture while stirring the flour. Keep stirring and flicking the dough off the sides of the bowl until a ball of dough is formed.

Once formed, place dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 4: Cut and roll the dough

Once risen, press or punch the dough to release air. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into about 6 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.

Roll each dough ball with a rolling pin until it’s spread to about the size of a dinner plate and about ¼ inch thick. Brush the surface of the dough with remaining melted butter, then fold the dough in half and brush the top.

Place dough on the prepared pan and repeat the steps for the remaining pieces. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until nicely browned on top. Serve warm.

Jamaican Coco Bread Recipe Tips

What do you eat with Jamaican coco bread?

In Jamaica, coco bread is commonly had with Jamaican patties. Whether you prefer a beef, chicken or cheese patty, opt to complement your patty experience with coco bread to make a filling sandwich.

Apart from patties, coco bread can also be enjoyed in the form of meat loaf. This is not like traditional meat loaf, though. Instead, the coco bread is filled with your choice of cooked and seasoned ground beef, callaloo, ackee or cheese.

Can you make coco bread in advance?

While coco bread is most tasty when served fresh it can still be baked in advance and reheated to restore its warmth. If it’s being prepared a few hours ahead of serving time, store your bread in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness and pop them into the oven for a few minutes on low heat and your guests won’t be able to tell the difference.

How do you store coco bread?

To store a batch of coco bread, put in an airtight freezer bag and keep in the freezer for future use. To refresh your Jamaican coco bread, lightly toast in a toaster oven at 270° for 5-10 minutes.

Like most bread, coco bread is not meant to be stored for prolonged periods. Eat your coco bread within 7 days of baking.

Caribbean-Inspired Recipes for a Tropical Escape

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Cuban SlidersThese wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, TexasGo to Recipe

Caribbean ChickenThis Caribbean chicken dish is a very simple recipe that uses easy-to-find ingredients, but its flavor profile is quite complex.

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For a traditional Sunday supper, finish the meal with one of these Jamaican desserts.

Caribbean WontonsI first served these fresh and fruity treats as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy them as a dessert for occasions throughout the year.—Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina

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Caribbean Potato SoupMy bright and hearty soup features an unusual blend of ingredients, including okra, kale and black-eyed peas. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

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Mama’s Puerto Rican ChickenMy mom has a vast repertoire of recipes, and this extra-crispy, spiced-up chicken is the best one of the bunch. We love it served with a side of traditional red beans and rice. —Edwin Robles, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Caribbean Coconut Rum CakeMy take on a traditional Jamaican recipe, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey

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Roast Beef Caribbean StyleThis recipe took first place in the 2011 South Dakota Beef Cook-Off. Cooking the roast uncovered for the first 30 minutes gives it a crusty exterior similar to barbecued brisket, and the flavorful sauce adds just a hint of heat. —Susan Patrick Watertown, SD

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Easy Cuban PicadilloMy girlfriend gave me this delicious recipe years ago. I’ve made it ever since for family and friends, and they all love it. My daughter loves to take leftovers to school for lunch the next day. —Marie Wielgus, Wayne, New Jersey

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Cuban PaniniOut of all the panini recipes I make, this is my favorite. The Cuban sandwich is a twist on the old ham and cheese, usually with ham, Swiss, pickles, condiments and sometimes, as in this hearty version, smoked turkey. —Janet Sanders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

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Jamaican Beef StewJamaican-style beef stew, a dish that's also called stew beef, is a rich braise of beef and vegetables in a sauce seasoned with caramelized sugar and allspice. A few shortcut ingredients in this version help build a sauce that will perfume your house as it cooks with sweet, savory and spiced flavor.

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Caribbean Bread PuddingA completely unexpected dessert from the slow cooker, my bread pudding is loaded with wonderful tropical flavors. I like to garnish it with a slice of fresh pineapple, whipped cream and a cherry—just like a pina colada! —Elizabeth Doss, California City, California

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Jamaican Jerk Pork ChopsThese sweet, spicy chops can be thrown together in minutes but definitely don't taste like it. Serve it with a side of jasmine rice and you'll feel like you're on a tropical vacation. —Allison Ulrich, Frisco, Texas

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Jamaican Salmon with Coconut Cream SauceWe try to eat salmon a lot because it's so healthy, and I love thinking of new ways to make it different and delicious. This dazzler is easy and is my go-to meal for company. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

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Chicken-Stuffed Cubanelle PeppersHere's a different take on traditional stuffed peppers. I substituted chicken for the beef and used Cubanelle peppers in place of the green peppers that are usually featured in such a dish. —Ron Burlingame, Canton, Ohio

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Caribbean Shrimp & Rice BowlI had a similar rice bowl on vacation and re-created this lighter version at home. It takes me back to the islands every time I make it. Try grilling the shrimp for more beachy flavor. —Lauren Katz, Ashburn, Virginia

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Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel CremeI made these for an office party cookie contest—not a crumb was left on the platter! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota

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Jamaican Ham and Bean Soup"Island vacation in a bowl” might be the best way to describe this hearty soup. A splash of lime juice and a hint of jerk seasoning add tropical taste. —Mary Lou Timpson, Colorado City, Arizona

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Caribbean Jerk ChickenGet ready to rock the grill with this wonderfully fragrant, spicy chicken. The bold marinade includes hints of cinnamon, cayenne and thyme. —Judy Kamalieh, Nebraska City, Nebraska

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Cuban-Style Pork ChopsThese are like Cuban sandwiches without the bread, so they’re a bit more elegant. Let your family customize the chops with pickles, mustard and other condiments. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey

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Caribbean Chicken Stir-FryFruit cocktail in stir-fry? You might be surprised by how good this dish is. It's a promising go-to option when time's tight. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

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Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California

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Agua de JamaicaThis agua de Jamaica is an iced tea made from hibiscus, which is tart and deep red like cranberry juice. Add rum if you like. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pulled Pork SlidersIn these pulled pork sliders, we combine the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with a cool tropical coleslaw and soft Hawaiian buns. You can slow-cook a pork shoulder from scratch or use leftover pork—your choice!

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Caribbean Curried ChickenHaving grown up in the Virgin Islands, I've eaten my fair share of authentic curried chicken. This recipe hits the mark with big, bold flavors. It's delicious served over rice. —Sharon Gibson, Hendersonville, North Carolina

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Cuban Pork WrapsHot and juicy pork in tortillas may remind you of a Cuban sandwich with ham and cheese. We always include the pickles, of course. —Aimee Bachmann, Bellevue, WA

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Caribbean Chips with Apricot SalsaWith their subtle sweetness, these well-seasoned chips are equally delicious as an appetizer or alongside a savory meal. They'll be a welcome change of pace for your family's taste buds. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pork Roast CubanoIt takes me just minutes to prepare this recipe, and the slow cooker does the rest of the work! It's a one-dish meal that's real comfort food for my family. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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Caribbean Chicken StewI lived with a family from the West Indies for a while and enjoyed watching them cook. I lightened up this Caribbean chicken stew by leaving out the oil and sugar, removing the skin from the chicken and using chicken sausage. It's just as good. —Joanne Iovino, Kings Park, New York

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Caribbean Grilled RibeyesI made this mind-blowing steak with my father-in-law in mind. He loved it, and so did everyone else. You can serve it as part of all types of meals, but it's especially good alongside seafood. —De'Lawrence Reed, Durham, North Carolina

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The post How to Make Jamaican Coco Bread appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Sweet Potato Pudding

This popular dessert is affectionately called “hell a top, hell a bottom and hallelujah in the middle” because it’s baked with coals layered above and below. A good Sweet Potato Pudding should be crusted on top and the bottom and perfectly moist in the middle. That’s what locals call the hallelujah in the middle!

Coconut Toto

Coconut toto, also called toto (pronounced toe-to), is a coconut-flavored Jamaican dessert. With its long history and origin dating back to slavery, Toto has become an island favorite over the centuries. Think of a soft yet crumbly coconut-flavored cake, and that’s toto.

Tamarind Balls

This famous childhood treat is a homemade take on a natural candy. The sour tamarind fruit is taken from its shell and separated, rounded into balls, then coated with sugar. The result is a sour-sweet natural candy every kid wants to try.

Banana Pancake

Try making a homemade Jamaican banana pancake! You’ll need flour, sugar, salt and a few ripe bananas to make a batch of banana fritters. Despite its gray appearance, this dessert packs a punch in the flavor department—and it makes a great meal on its own. For savory dishes, check out this list of traditional Jamaican foods.

Coconut Drops

Coconut drops are the perfect snack for the coconut lover with a sweet tooth. With only a few ingredients, they’re easy to make, too. Gather some diced coconuts, sugar, fresh ginger and boil all your ingredients to create a thick syrup. Let set—and then voila! You have a taste of Jamaica.

Grater Cake

Grater cake, also known as “pink on top,” is another simple Jamaican coconut sweet treat. This chewy candy-like dessert gets its name from being a grated coconut square. Although it’s called a cake, this Jamaican dessert has no flour in it. It’s a coconut treat compacted together and sometimes flavored with peppermint.

Dukunnu

This inventive yet delicious dessert is made in a most unique way. Dukunnu, which is also called “tie-a-leaf” or “blue draws,” is a cornmeal pudding made by boiling. The pudding ingredients are wrapped in banana leaf and boiled until done. Although it’s traditionally a cornmeal pudding, you can replace the cornmeal with green bananas, cassava, sweet potato or yam.

The post 11 Jamaican Desserts and Sweet Treats Your Taste Buds Will Love appeared first on Taste Recipes.