11 Iconic Jamaican Dishes to Savor on Your Next Trip

Jamaica is a paradise not only for its beaches and music but also for its vibrant and flavorful food. The island’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich culture and history, combining African, Spanish, and English influences. If you’re planning a trip to Jamaica, make sure to indulge in some of the island’s most iconic dishes.

Jerk Chicken

Jerk chicken is one of Jamaica’s most famous dishes, known for its bold, smoky flavors. The recipe begins with marinating chicken in a mixture of ingredients like allspice, thyme, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, soy sauce, and brown sugar. The marinated chicken is then grilled over a wood fire or on a BBQ, creating a deliciously smoky, spicy crust. Serve it with rice and peas or festival bread for a classic Jamaican meal. To make your jerk chicken even more authentic, use pimento wood chips for that traditional smoky taste.

Ackee and Saltfish

Ackee and saltfish is Jamaica’s national dish and a must-try for any visitor. To prepare it, start by boiling salted cod until tender, then sauté it with onions, tomatoes, and a bit of Scotch bonnet pepper for heat. After the salted cod is cooked, add boiled ackee, a local fruit that is tender and creamy when cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme for added flavor. This dish is often served with fried dumplings or boiled green bananas.

Curry Goat

Curry goat is a spicy, savory dish beloved in Jamaica. The goat meat is first marinated in curry powder, garlic, ginger, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper, then browned in oil. The meat is simmered in a rich, flavorful broth made from coconut milk, potatoes, and a touch of allspice until tender. Serve curry goat with steamed white rice or hard dough bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Rice and Peas

Rice and peas is a staple side dish in Jamaican cuisine. This dish is made by cooking rice with kidney beans (or gungo peas), coconut milk, scallions, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers for an aromatic, creamy flavor. The beans and rice are cooked together until soft, absorbing all the wonderful spices and coconut milk. It’s a perfect accompaniment to jerk chicken or curry goat.

Festival

Festival is a sweet, fried dough that complements many Jamaican dishes, especially jerk chicken. To make festival, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and a little water to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into small logs and deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside but soft inside. Its slight sweetness balances the spicy flavors of other Jamaican dishes.

Escovitch Fish

Escovitch fish is a flavorful Jamaican dish made with fried fish that’s marinated in a vinegar-based sauce. The sauce is made with carrots, onions, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet peppers for a tangy, spicy kick. After frying the fish, it’s soaked in the sauce to absorb the flavors. Serve with bammy (cassava flatbread) or festival for a complete meal.

Patties

Jamaican patties are flaky, golden pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables. The pastry is made with flour, butter, and turmeric, giving it a bright yellow color. The filling can range from spiced beef to chicken, vegetables, or even shrimp. These patties are often eaten as a snack or a quick lunch, and they pair perfectly with a cold drink.

Brown Stew Chicken

Brown stew chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish often served at Jamaican family gatherings. The chicken is browned in a bit of oil to create a rich color and then simmered with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and bell peppers in a savory broth. Add thyme, scallions, and Scotch bonnet pepper for that perfect Jamaican touch. Serve brown stew chicken with rice, bread, or fried plantains.

Saltfish Fritters

Saltfish fritters are crispy, golden bites of fried dough mixed with salted cod, onions, and herbs. To make them, flake the salted cod and mix it with flour, baking powder, and a little water to form a thick batter. Spoon the mixture into hot oil and fry until crispy. These fritters are often served with spicy dipping sauce and are perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Oxtail Stew

Oxtail stew is a rich, flavorful Jamaican dish made by simmering oxtail in a thick, savory gravy with carrots, butter beans, and allspice. The oxtail is first browned, then slow-cooked until tender in a flavorful broth made with herbs, seasoning, and sometimes a touch of browning sauce for color. Serve this hearty dish with rice and peas or steamed vegetables for a delicious and filling meal.

Jerk Pork

Jerk pork is a spicy, smoky dish made by marinating pork in a mixture of jerk seasoning ingredients like thyme, garlic, allspice, and Scotch bonnet peppers. The pork is then slow-cooked or grilled to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. It’s typically served with rice, peas, or festival, and sometimes with a side of pickled vegetables for extra zing.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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