The holidays are nothing without family and of course food! Whether you’re celebrate abroad or back home, it’s the perfect time to embrace family traditions (and secret recipes) passed down from generation to generation. No two Caribbean households make the same foods for the holidays, just check the hastags #CaribbeanThanksgiving and #CaribbeanChristmas you see the variety of foods (and comedic relief) about our people during the holidays. Here are 10 traditional dishes on some West Indian tables:
- Turkey
What seems like an American tradition, has slowly made its mark as the highlight of some West Indian gatherings. Frying a whole turkey has become quite popular in addition to Jerk turkey. Others like in St. Maarten stick to a classic well-seasoned turkey with ham, mashed potatoes, some greens, and cranberry sauce. Have you tried Haitian style Turkey? it’s seasoned to perfection and will more than likely be cut up into pieces plated at the table (who wants to carve anyway?!) served with some gravy and/or a little pikliz!
- Ham or Pernil
When Turkey isn’t an option, ham is the next best thing. A traditional recipe not to be changed for good reason! Glazed with brown sugar and oven baked to perfection. Pernil is a traditional Latino style pork shoulder marinated and slow roasted to perfection, falling off the bone is always a favorite.
- Curry Goat or Curry Chicken
Not a fan of turkey or ham? Try letting curry goat be the talk of the table. For those who are not big goat eaters, curry chicken and rice with dhal and roti completes a filling meal.
- Potato Salad
Also seen as an American style of dish, this pink dish is common on many Haitian family tables which is prepared with beets and potatoes of course. Here is a lovely recipe for those who’d like to try.
- Rice & Peas (or Rice & Beans)
This combination is often made in Jamaican families because the peas are in season. Gungo peas, also known as pigeon peas are favored by many. If you’re looking to change up the peas you usually eat like black eye peas, you’ll definitely want to try them this holiday.
- Drinks
It’s not a matter of if you’re drinking, it’s what you’re drinking? Creamas, Conquito, Ponch de Crème, Sorrel, Mauby…these are all popular drink with rum and spices! These drinks are often rich in taste. No one person creates them the same and everyone swears their version is better. Drink them all and be merry!
- Mac & Cheese / Macaroni Pie
Warning: Do not attempt to make this dish unless you are a certified by the matriarch of the family. The serious side dish that will either be praised for its legendary glory and talked about for the whole year without redemption if you fail! No further description needed…just make sure it’s done right!
- Pasteles
A traditional dish in several Latin American / Caribbean countries including Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago and Panama. While what’s inside varies from country to country, all the varied combinations of meats like beef, pork, and starches like yam, banana or potatoes are filled with love into the Pasteles’ banana leaf. A technique only grandma can show you!
- Breakfast
In a Caribbean household, one can expect a proper breakfast for the holidays! Dishes like Jamaican style Ackee & Saltfish served with dumplings, breadfruit or other boiled provision. Or in a Guyanese household you may wake up a proper Pepperpot Stew typically a stewed meat dish, strongly flavored with cinnamon, hot peppers, and Cassareep – popularly served with bread.
I love the idea of serving the saltfish and dumplings for breakfast during the holidays. My spouse and I want to try more Caribbean foods this year. We love how tasty they are, while also being pretty healthy.
Yes, i agree! I usually make for breakfast as well and make is special with some mimosas 🙂 Enjoy the holidays!