4 Classic Dishes To Try At A Caribbean Restaurant
Eating the same few entrees day in and day out can quickly grow tiresome. Fortunately, trying new dishes from all over the world can keep you from growing bored with your meals by keeping your menu interesting. If you enjoy spicy, smoky flavors, you'll probably enjoy Caribbean food. Caribbean cuisine combines the seafood that is plentiful in the region with flavorful herbs and spices to create unforgettable dishes. Here are some of the classic dishes you can order from a Caribbean restaurant:
1. Jerk Chicken
Jerk chicken is a type of grilled chicken that is heavily seasoned with a unique blend of spices. This Caribbean dish is traditionally very spicy, thanks to the inclusion of Scotch bonnet peppers. Allspice and cinnamon are often associated with sweet dishes, but they're frequently included in jerk chicken marinade. Jerk chicken is dry-rubbed and allowed to marinate overnight before being grilled over an open flame to char-broiled perfection. Jerk chicken can be eaten off the bone or shredded and used as a filling in sandwiches.
2. Coco Bread
Caribbean food also boasts some delectable sweet dishes. Coco bread is a coconut-flavored sweet bread made with simple ingredients. Cane sugar gives this bread a slightly sweet taste, and the addition of coconut milk adds a complex natural flavor. Yeast allows coco bread to rise until it's light and fluffy. You can eat coco bread as a side dish to complement savory entrees, or you can enjoy it on its own as a snack or dessert.
3. Oil Down
Oil down is a type of stew that utilizes coconut milk to create a rich, creamy base. This dish is heavy in vegetables, which gives it a high nutritional content. Green bananas or plantains add a starchy sweetness that can help you fill up, and meat adds protein to the dish. Oil down is delicious, especially when served over rice.
4. Fish Broth
When you're not in the mood for a big, heavy meal, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Caribbean soup. Fish broth is made by simmering fresh fish until the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. This natural, healthy broth is used as a base as potatoes, corn on the cob, and flavorful spices are added to the pot. Lemon juice gives this soup a bright, tangy flavor. Fish broth is a great dish to enjoy any time. It's an especially good curative when you're feeling under the weather.