Jamaica: Recipes Only

 Jamaica: Reggae, Rice, and Resistance

Jerk Chicken

Ingredients:

  1. 2–2.5 lbs chicken (bone-in thighs or drumsticks)
  2. 1 tbsp allspice
  3. 1 tsp dried thyme
  4. 1 tbsp brown sugar
  5. 1 tsp scotch bonnet powder
  6. 2 habanero peppers, minced
  7. 4 cloves garlic
  8. 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger
  9. 1 small onion
  10. 3 scallions
  11. Juice of 1 lime
  12. 2 tbsp soy sauce
  13. 1 tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
  14. 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  15. Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend all marinade ingredients into a thick paste.
  2. Rub marinade all over chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Grill on medium-high heat until charred and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 45–50 minutes, then broil for 3–5 minutes to char.

Saltfish Fritters (Stamp & Go)

Ingredients:

  1. ½ lb salted cod, soaked and flaked
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
  4. ½ small onion, finely chopped
  5. 1 tomato or bell pepper, finely chopped
  6. 2 scallions, chopped
  7. 1 clove garlic, minced
  8. ½ tsp baking powder
  9. ½ tsp black pepper
  10. ½ tsp scotch bonnet powder
  11. ½ minced habanero pepper
  12. Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, baking powder, and seasonings in a bowl.
  2. Stir in flaked cod, veggies, and just enough water to form a thick batter.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
  4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Jamaican Beef Patties

Dough Ingredients:

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. ½ tsp salt
  3. 1 tsp curry powder or turmeric
  4. ½ cup cold butter or shortening
  5. ~½ cup ice water

Filling Ingredients:

  1. ½ lb ground beef
  2. ½ small onion, finely chopped
  3. 2 scallions, chopped
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. 1 tsp dried thyme
  6. 1 tsp allspice
  7. ½ tsp scotch bonnet powder
  8. 1 minced habanero pepper
  9. Salt and pepper to taste
  10. ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
  11. ¼ cup water or beef broth

Instructions:

  1. Filling: Sauté onion, garlic, and scallion in oil. Add beef and spices, cook until browned. Stir in water and breadcrumbs, cook until thick. Cool.
  2. Dough: Mix flour, salt, and turmeric. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add water and form dough. Chill 30 mins.
  3. Roll dough into 6-inch circles. Add filling, fold and seal with a fork.
  4. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until golden.

Ackee and Saltfish

Ingredients:

  1. ½ lb salted cod
  2. 1 can ackee (or equivalent fresh, if available)
  3. ½ onion, thinly sliced
  4. 1 tomato, diced
  5. 1 bell pepper, sliced
  6. 2 scallions, chopped
  7. 1 clove garlic, minced
  8. ½ tsp thyme
  9. ½ tsp scotch bonnet powder
  10. 1 minced habanero pepper
  11. 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Soak salted cod in cold water overnight or boil 10–15 minutes, changing water twice. Flake.
  2. In a pan, heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, scallion, and tomato.
  3. Add cod, thyme, and both chilis. Cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Gently fold in ackee. Cook until heated through. Do not stir too much (ackee is delicate).

Rice and Peas

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup long grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
  2. 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or gungo peas, drained
  3. 2 cups coconut milk
  4. 1 cup water
  5. 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  6. 2 scallions
  7. 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
  8. 1 whole habanero pepper (do not cut)
  9. ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  10. Optional: ¼ tsp scotch bonnet powder for extra heat

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, combine coconut milk, water, garlic, scallions, thyme, beans, salt, and whole habanero pepper.
  2. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavor.
  3. Add rice, stir once, then cover and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  4. Remove habanero before serving.

Festival (Sweet Fried Dough)

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/3 cup fine cornmeal
  3. 2 tbsp sugar
  4. 1 tsp baking powder
  5. 1/4 tsp salt
  6. ½ cup water or milk (more if needed)
  7. Oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Slowly add water or milk and knead into a soft dough.
  3. Divide into small ovals or logs.
  4. Fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown and puffy, about 3–5 minutes per side.
  5. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

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