The Caribbean! White sandy beaches, turquoise blue sea and reggae. And anyone who has ever been there knows that the true Caribbean way of life is also through the stomach. Dishes with the typical jerk spice mix, freshly caught fish, sweet tropical fruits and a pinch of Creole joie de vivre – the authentic cuisine is a firework of flavors and colors.
Fortunately, you don’t need palm trees or a long-haul flight to experience that summer feeling. With the right ingredients, a generous handful of spices and inspiration such as the Caribbean recipes from HelloFresh, the taste of the Caribbean can easily be brought home. So: grab a mango, put a pan on the stove – and enjoy that Caribbean feeling right on your plate!
The heart of Caribbean cuisine
Caribbean cuisine is a wild mix of cultures – and that is exactly what makes it so exciting. African spices, European cooking techniques and tropical ingredients come together here, and the result is pure joie de vivre on the plate. The Jerk spice mix is the best example: an explosive blend of Scotch Bonnet chili, allspice, thyme and ginger that gives meat an unmistakable smoky aroma over charcoal. Add to this a coconut curry or fresh fish with mango – and the Caribbean is no longer just in the distance, but right on your plate.
There are a few things that no Caribbean kitchen should be without:
- Strong spices and aromas: In addition to chili and allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and coriander play important roles. They add an intense note to meat, stews and even desserts.
- Coconut and tropical fruits: Whether in curries, sauces or as a side dish – coconut milk, mango or pineapple add an exotic touch.
- Fish and seafood: It tastes best freshly caught, but you can also revive the island feeling with good frozen fish.
- Rice and beans: A classic that no Caribbean kitchen should be without.
Typical dishes – the taste of the Caribbean
Few dishes are as synonymous with the Caribbean as jerk chicken. The Jamaican flagship dish is marinated and grilled over an open fire – spicy, smoky and unmistakable. Just as spicy, but with more depth, is Curry Goat, a slow-braised goat meat curry seasoned with all the flavors the Caribbean
has to offer.
Of course, the side dish is a must: Rice and peas (aromatic rice with red beans – originally with
pigeon peas, coconut milk and spices) is a daily staple in many island kitchens. For a lighter option, try ceviche, a fish specialty marinated in lime juice and refined with herbs – ideal for hot days.
Indian influences are also noticeable in the Caribbean, especially in roti. The thin flatbread is filled with curry
potatoes, vegetables or meat and is the perfect street food. And for those who like it sweet, there is
Rum Cake, a juicy cake soaked in rum, or deep-fried plantains, which are almost addictive with their caramelized
crust.
Drinks – Caribbean in a glass
The rum punch is a real classic – with lime, sugar cane and spices, it tastes delicious, but should not be underestimated! If you like it non-alcoholic, try the Sorrel drink, a refreshing mixture of hibiscus flowers, ginger and cloves. Of course, it’s even more natural with a fresh coconut, drunk straight from the shell. Or with a blended tropical smoothie – mango, banana and coconut milk, the Caribbean in a glass is ready!
Caribbean cuisine at home – how it works
- The Caribbean thrives on strong flavors! It’s better to season too boldly than blandly.
- Fresh ingredients make all the difference, so it’s better to buy a really ripe mango from a specialty store than a pale one from the supermarket.
- Fire up the barbecue! Caribbean food needs fire and smoke – but a grill pan will do in a pinch.
- And very important: don’t stress! A curry that is cooked in a hurry is not a real curry.
Conclusion – A little bit of the Caribbean every day
ABC Islands, Dominican Republic, Haiti and many more – the cuisine of the Caribbean islands is pure joie de vivre. It is colorful, it is aromatic and it simply makes you happy. And the best thing? It doesn’t take much to bring that summer feeling to your plate all year round – sometimes a squeeze of lime or a hint of coconut is enough to brighten up a gray day. So get the barbecue and the spice box ready – and en Guete mitenand!
