Caribbean cuisine
This article is about the Caribbean cuisine. In a narrower sense it refers to the typical cuisine of the Caribbean ( West Indies ) Islands. In a broader sense, however, the kitchen of the adjacent coastal areas throughout the Caribbean is referred to it.
General
In the kitchen, the Caribbean, the history of this region reflects since about 1500. The Indians, who inhabited the region before the landing of Europeans have left their marks as well as the European colonial powers (Britain, Spain, France, Netherlands). African slaves brought African influences with, Indians were brought in the 19th and 20th centuries, as laborers, as well as her own.
Although generally the term Caribbean cooking is used as a generic term, the different history of each island and coastal regions has led to its own local and regional cuisines that differ in spite of many similarities. It should not be forgotten that the majority of people over the centuries was poor and poverty even today is still a problem in many parts of the Caribbean.
In addition, however, a fine cuisine has evolved that radiates to the international cuisine and is inversely influenced by it. In the era of large corporations such as McDonalds, the standardized fast food has, however, also held in the Caribbean collection. In some areas ( such as in the U.S. Virgin Islands) it has almost replaced the traditional cuisine.
Typical ingredients
Conditionally Proximity to the sea that fish and shellfish almost everywhere play a significant role. Widely used is salted fish, formerly a typical food for slaves. Tropical and Subtropical Fruits and vegetables are available in great variety, especially numerous chillies. The large number of local chili varieties (eg, the extremely sharp habanero or Scotch Bonnet (also called ' Goat Chili ')) gives many Caribbean dishes a fiery sharpness. The chilies are often used in pepper sauces.
In addition there are also fruit and vegetables of European origin. Especially legumes are much consumed. Rice, sweet potatoes, cassava, yams, potatoes and plantains serve as a side dish. Also typical is the use of okra and beans.
At pets is found almost everything is also known from Europe, but not a European game. But occasionally native wildlife consumed (eg iguana or agouti ).
The strong dominance of sugar cane cultivation has made it the symbol of the Caribbean not only the sugar, but also the rum produced from it. In addition, look for molasses (sugar syrup ) and the expressed juice of the sugar cane use in the kitchen. In Hispaniola, a traditional drink Mamajuana is prepared which consists mainly of rum, honey and a mixture of woods and herbs, and is used as a digestive or medicinal brandy.
Typical spices
In addition to local spices such as allspice and Long Coriander ( cilantro ) play mainly on cultivated Grenada nutmeg and ginger a major role. Are also widespread cloves and cinnamon. As a special feature of Caribbean cuisine but applies the use of numerous hot chilli. East Indian influences have led to the introduction of relishes and chutneys as side dish for rice dishes and curries. The famous Indian spice mixtures that are used in the Caribbean, masala of coriander, anise, cloves, cumin, mustard, fenugreek and turmeric and garam masala of coriander, anise, cloves, fennel, cumin, cardamom, sesame seeds, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and bay leaf. Other typical Seasoning are green pepper, onion, garlic and make a paste of tomatoes.
A popular Caribbean seasoning sauce is called sofrito and consists of pepper, herbs, olive oil and annatto. We distinguish red sofrito of red sweet peppers and / or tomatoes and green sofrito of green parika. In Puerto Rico, most of the main dishes are seasoned with sofrito either or with the herb and spice mixture Adobo. In Cuba, however, Adobo is a marinade for meat, which contains orange or lime juice. A spicy sauce made from bitter oranges called mojo here.
In the French-influenced Caribbean is served with fish, seafood and poultry in a table sauce chien, which is quite sharp and consists mainly of vegetables. A hot sauce based on vinegar is called pick read here. Throughout the Caribbean spicy olive oil ( oil fire ) is used, are inserted for the chillies in oil.
Cocktails
The Caribbean is also known for its cocktails, especially ingredients like rum, Curaçao and Angostura be used for their preparation.
Known cocktails: