Let’s say you’re currently in New York City, or Seattle, or maybe San Francisco, or anywhere in the USA. It would certainly be difficult for you to travel to the Caribbean if you want to try their cuisine.
But, Caribbean dishes are downright yummy, yummy, and yummy! Caribbean cuisine is described to be flavorful and vibrant, with the right, rich mix of African, indigenous, European, and even Asian cultural influences, mind you!
You will be able to find bold and spicy tastes, fresh seafood, and super-abundant seafood, since the Caribbean area is located near the sea. One of the countries that has the tastiest Caribbean flavors is Barbados, and in this guide from DoorDash, you will get to know the best Bajan recipes you can cook at home.
Flying Fish & Cou-Cou
This is considered the national dish of Barbados, and did you know that the coat of arms of Barbados is drawn in food? That’s right, so gastronomy here is really something. The fish is alongside cou-cou, a silky polenta-like cake made from cornmeal and okra. Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
For the steamed flying fish:
- 4 whole flying fish, cleaned and butterflied (or use small mackerel if unavailable)
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp. ground allspice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 tbsp. butter
- ½ cup water or fish stock
For the cou-cou:
- 2 cups fine yellow cornmeal
- 12 okra pods, sliced into rounds
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
Directions:
Start by marinating the fish with lime, seasonings, garlic, and thyme. Then, steam the recipe with onion, celery, butter, and some liquid. Finally, boil the okra, then cook cornmeal with reserved liquid, okra, onion, and butter until firm. Serve together. Yum, yum, yum!
Chicken Liver Pate Recipe
The RSF team won’t resist a dish with chicken liver. It’s yummy! And this Chicken Liver Pate recipe is so famous in Barbados.
Ingredients:
- 1lb. chicken livers
- ½ lb. fat bacon pieces
- 1 clove garlic
- Large onion
- 2 tsp. dry mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Milk
- 1 tbsp. sherry or brandy
Directions:
Start by cleaning livers of sinews and gall. Then, place inside a fire-proof casserole with all the other ingredients chopped roughly. Then, season and cover with milk.
This is followed by putting the lid on the casserole and cooking in slow oven at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.
Liquidize in the blender, adjust the seasoning, add the sherry or the brandy, and serve on a dish covered with melted butter. Yum, yum, yum!
Macaroni Pie
In Barbados, this macaroni pie is considered the island’s beloved comfort. For a reason! Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups whole milk or evaporated milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 2 tsp. Dijon or yellow mustard
- 1 to 2 tsp. hot pepper sauce
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tbsp. butter
- Paprika for topping
Directions:
Sauté onion and celery in butter. Combine macaroni with vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, mustard, seasonings, and pepper sauce. Bake topped with cheese and paprika until firm and golden.
Lonely Planet describes Barbados as a laid-back Caribbean island, saying, “This is not the place for hustle and bustle. In Barbados, life is lived at a laid-back and leisurely pace. You might spend so long lounging on the beach, sipping on rum punches, that you might end up missing your dinner reservations. And you won’t even mind. That doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do. We like to say that Barbados has a place for every kind of traveler: foodies, history buffs and nature lovers alike.” Come to the island with DoorDash!