Caribbean Cuisine is a melange of cuisines from Africa, Spain, Britain, Dutch, Indonesia, French and other European countries. The locals have also developed distinct dishes over the time. Each Caribbean Island is influenced by various Colonies, (the French, British, Dutch and Spanish etc) that established their presence since the 15th Century. Their Food is grounded yet exotic. Good food is a requisite for holidays and special events, it’s an important part of the Caribbean Culture and family traditions, and they just love their food and drinks. Rice, Plantains, Beans, Cassava, Bell Peppers, Chickpeas, Beans, Coconut, Cilantro and various meats are common ingredients of the Island Nation. Seafood is also widely eaten across the Islands. Even Rice is enjoyed throughout the Caribbean, infact; each island has its own unique rice dish.
Rice is loved by everyone at my home and the vegetarian soul in me is always in search of meat-free options/recipes from the global food cuisine. One such morning I was surfing on the internet about some recipes from the Caribbean, and I came across a blog named ‘A spicy Perspective’ where I saw this particular recipe posted. I was completely in awe of the picture posted by the author so much so that I could not resist making and relishing it on the very same day. 1. It looked appealing 2.it is a vegetarian recipe. 3. I rush to my kitchen ;). The colours and flavourful ingredients intrigued me. This recipe has been adapted from the blog site ‘A Spicy Perspective’ and I have my version of it for you. This rice recipe is a mix of both, sweet and spicy flavours, you can dominate any flavour out of the two by increasing or decreasing the quantity howsoever you like to. Please note down the recipe friends.
RECIPE
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
- Long Grain/ Basmati Rice: 2 Cups
- Coconut Milk (Unsweetened) : 1 Cup
- All spice Powder: ½ tsp (All spice powder is a good mix of Nutmeg ,Cloves and Cinnamon all finely blended together)
- Minced Garlic Cloves: 2-3
- Cayenne Pepper/ Red Chilli Powder : 1 tsp
- Salt as per your taste
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Red and yellow bell peppers diced: 2 cups
- Red Onion- ½ cup
- Pineapple Tidbits ( You may use canned or make the Tidbits out of the fresh fruit itself): 1 cup
- Pineapple Juice :1/2 cup ( Store bought / Canned or blended directly from the fruit)
- Sliced Jalapenos :1/4 cup
- Chopped Green chillies: 2-3
- Chopped Cilantro : ¼ cup
Method:
- In a Big pot add the long grain rice, Coconut milk, All Spice Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt and Pineapple Juice, add water accordingly.
- Stir well, now keep the heat on a medium flame, cover the pot with a lid and allow the rice to cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- In another pan heat a tbsp of butter, add in diced yellow and red bell peppers and onions, sauté for about 2-3 minutes on a medium flame. Do not overcook, just need to soften them a bit.
- Now turn off the gas and add green chillies, Jalapenos and Pineapple tidbits to the pan, give a good mix.
- By now the rice must be cooked and ready, take the lightly sautéed veggie mixture and add it into the pot, add salt and pepper as required and give a light mix.
- Finally, add in chopped cilantro leaves, our Caribbean Confetti Rice is ready to serve.
A Very simple rice dish to make, truly delicious, colourful and healthy.
