Food. Fun. Sun.

These are three things that anyone can be sure of when they visit any island of the Caribbean. Today, the focus will be on what might be the key staple for making any event one to remember. That staple is food!

No matter which Caribbean island you go to you are sure to be welcomed and sent off with food. Foods are found in of varying colors and flavors, full of life and character like the Caribbean people, hence, it is no wonder our food is a worldwide rave. In this three-part series I will share some of the most popular foods of these sun-kissed countries. Some of these foods have become so popular that they are now either the official or unofficial national dishes. As I researched about the significance of these favorite dishes, I found that many of them are tied to the rich history of their countries.

Ready for a feast for the eyes and watering of the mouth? Let’s go!

Cuba: Los Moros y Cristianos

The dish Los Moros y Cristianos means the Moors and the Christians. The black beans represent the dark-skinned Moors and the rice represents the light skinned Christians. This dish is literally a history lesson on a plate! It symbolizes the Reconquista, which was an eight-hundred-year period of battle between the Muslim Moors and Christians for control of the Iberian Peninsula. The dish must have therefore resulted from the Spaniards’ conquest of Cuba. Cubans believe that if it is eaten on New Year’s Day it will bring good luck. So who knows, this may be a great dish to add to your New Year’s Day menu.

Dominican Republic: Sancocho

Like Cuba, this Carib beauty is a Spanish speaking country. Food in the DR, as it is sometimes called, is often fresh so people usually catch or will grow what they eat. Their food has been influenced by Taino, Spanish, and African cooking styles and ingredients. This is why you can expect food from here to be spicy and full of color and flavor. The dish Sancocho is the Dominican take on the Spanish dish cocido or stew. You will most likely find this dish at special occasions. It will typically have a combination of various meats and vegetables made into a stew. So, if you are a lover of your meat tender and juicy, this one is for you.

Bahamas: Cracked conch

If you have walked along the sea shore and seen a large beautiful cream and pink colored sea shell, it may have been a conch’s shell. A conch is a sea snail, but this slow poke is a favorite in the Bahamas. Bahamas has been one of the favorite Caribbean countries to visit and I am beginning to suspect we may have found the reason. Cracked conch is made by pounding the meat with a mallet or “cracking” it until the meat is thin and tender. The meat is then deep fried into golden nuggets and is often eaten with fries. This dish is loved so much that there is even a festival dedicated to the practice of “cracking”!

Guadeloupe: Goat Curry

Guadeloupe is a French speaking country in the Caribbean. However, goat curry is not a result of the French influence but that of the Indians. This group of people, mostly of the Tamil people, came to Guadeloupe and have left a huge mark on their culture. This can be seen in their religious festivals but also of course their food. The goat curry is a great example of how the Indian culture has been brought to their dining tables. This popular dish is cooked tender in a thick curry sauce and may be eaten with other staple food.

Curacao: Funchi

Curacao is the largest island of the Dutch speaking Caribbean. It is a long, dry and mostly flat country and as you travel along its length you are sure to find a household or restaurant cooking the popular dish called funchi. When the African slaves came to this island, they made a porridge from the sorghum (a tropical cereal) flour and called it fungee. It must have tasted really well because the Arawaks on the island started making their version of this dish using cornmeal. Thus, the dish called funchi was born. This dish works great as an appetizer or side dish.

Aruba: Keshi yena

Arubans are considered to be warm and friendly people and if you are ever privileged to be a guest at their dinner table you may get a warm serving of Keshi yena. Aruba’s dishes are a mixture of cultural influences such as that of Venezuela and of the Dutch. The popular dish keshi yena is evidence of the Dutch’s influence. The Dutch have a liking for cheese and it seems this liking has very much been also taken on by Arubans. Cheese lovers would enjoy this meal of ground meat wrapped in cheese and baked to perfection.

 

Bonaire: Galiña Stoba

Bonaire is known for its beauty, unhurried pace and peaceful atmosphere. Wafting through the tranquil air, may very well even be the smell of galiña stoba. This Dutch island seems to have a thing for stew meat because that is just what galiña stoba is – stew chicken to be exact. This meal is made by simmering the chicken until the meat is tender and is often served with rice or funchi.

British Virgin Islands: Fish and Fungi

The British Virgin Islands is collection of over 50 islands. The best way to travel from island to island is by boat and when you make a stop for lunch, I am sure the islanders would greatly encourage you to try some fish and fungi. This dish was born out of slavery. During the Danish rule cornmeal and herring was a large part of slaves’ diet. However, despite this humble origin, it is a highly rated dish among the locals.

Montserrat: Goat Water
div class=”text-center”>

Lastly, but surely not least, is the island of Montserrat. While this country may be more popularly known for the occurrence of volcanic activity, it has much more to offer. It has great scenic beauty but if you ask around, people may say, the greatest beauty of all is a bowl of goat water. Furthermore, with an island of just 5000 residents where everyone knows each other, you are sure to fit right into the family-like atmosphere. You are also sure to have someone more than willing to give you some goat water with rice or bread.

These Caribbean countries truly have rich culture and amazing food. I feel like I just finished a great full course meal! If any of these foods have encouraged you to visit any one of these countries, you surely should. Who knows, we might even meet up on each other. Or what if you want to make these meals right in the comfort of your home? Not a problem. Below are links to recipes for each of the dishes featured in this week:

Cuba – Los Moros y Cristianos: https://canihavesomemoremum.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/small-history-lesson/

Dominican  Republic – Sancocho: https://www.crisco.com/recipes/sancocho-5717

Bahamas – Cracked conch: https://www.trubahamianfoodtours.com/tru-bahamian-must-eats/cracked-conch/

Guadeloupe – Goat Curry (see bottom of page): https://www.trubahamianfoodtours.com/tru-bahamian-must-eats/cracked-conch/

Curacao – Funchi: https://www.islands.com/island-recipes-how-make-curacaos-favorite-foods

Aruba – Keshi yena: https://www.visitaruba.com/aruba-recipes/keshi-yena-filled-cheese-shell/

Bonaire – Galiña Stoba: https://www.bonairetoursandvacations.com/bonaire-recipes-galina-stoba/

British Virgin Islands – Fish and Fungi: https://www.winemag.com/recipe/fish-and-fungi-virgin-islands/

Montserrat – Goat Water: http://www.visitmontserrat.com/facts/goat-water-recipe/

 

I hope you enjoyed our journey in a taste of the Caribbean! I will be back again soon to share about more Caribbean countries!

Keep peace, love, and laughter in you’ heart and walk good.