If you have a flair for intercontinental cuisines, then you must have heard about Caribbean cuisines. Well, if you wonder what is so unique about this cuisine that attracts a huge following in different geographies, the answer is quite interesting. Here are the basics of Caribbean cuisine FL which will make your mouth water.
What is unique about Caribbean cuisine?
Described as ‘a giant melting pot of flavors’, Caribbean cuisines belong to an immigrant culinary tradition. One can say Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of ingredients sourced from the islands and the cooking techniques brought into the land from other traditions. So, we find the flavors of Caribbean cuisines contain a mixture of elements from African, Asian, Indian and European culinary schools. Caribbean cuisines derived from these traditions during colonization and the inflow of labor from these countries to the Caribbean region.
Seasoning of Caribbean cuisines
Caribbean foods are seen to contain the elements of different tastes and cultures. While the Caribbean foods were said to be founded by the Arawak, Carib, and Taino Indians, eventually, the British, French, Spanish, Africans and Chinese have significantly contributed to their evolution. What resulted was a distinctive culinary tradition that is appreciated all over the world.
For seasoning the Caribbean cuisines, locally sourced spices are used. However, some other popular seasoning methods are also used across these foods including Sofrito, Marinade, Mojo and Chimichurri. On the whole, Caribbean cuisines are flavorful, fresh and bold.
Popular ingredients
The most popular ingredients used in Caribbean foods are rice, coriander, plantains, beans, mango, pineapples, coco, papaya, citrus fruits, peppers, avocados, tomatoes, and several other varieties of root vegetables like cassaba, yucca, sweet potatoes, and breadfruit. Caribbean foods have a unique flavor that is andyuca. This unique blend of ingredients creates a flavor that is distinctly different from any other type of foods. The spices commonly used in Caribbean foods include annatto, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, garlic, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Varieties in Caribbean cuisines
The predominant categories of Caribbean foods are chicken, seafood, pig and steak. However, Caribbean seafood is the most touted one among them. Rich protein sources like legumes and beans are also used lavishly across several recipes.
Some popular dishes to try
If you would like to taste Caribbean foods for the first time, here are the popular ones you can give a try. Some top Caribbean dishes are Mofongo(Mashed Plantains),Jerk Chicken, Rice and Beans, Fried Plantain, Sweet Plantains, Roasted Pig, and Fried Fish.
The most famous Caribbean food is Jerk. This is known as a signature flavor of Jamaica and one of the most famed dishes of Caribbean Islands. This includes a richly spicy dry or wet rub that is applied to chicken or other kinds of meat. This dish can be made in different heats or even without heat. The meat is smoked after it absorbs the flavors and then grilled in a perfect way.
Take away
To taste authentic Caribbean cuisines, you need not book a trip to the Caribbean Islands. Look at the local directories to find a good restaurant that specializes in Caribbean cuisine FL to give a massive treat to your taste buds.
