Caribbean Larder, Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe

Caribbean cooking is an amalgamation of many influences; indigenous Caribs, French, Spanish, Dutch, British, African, Indian and Chinese. Peppers, hot sauces and dry rubs are often featured in island specialties and if you have a decent Indian larder you will find that there are spice similarities.

The Caribbean Larder

Spices and herbs:

• Coriander
• Parsley
• Chives
• Thyme
• Allspice or pimento (berry from the Pimento tree which combines the aroma of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper in one spice).
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Cilantro
• Tarragon
• Basil
• Paprika
• Fennel
• Anise
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Curry powder

These crop up a lot in Afro-Caribbean recipes:

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Scotch Bonnet chili peppers
• Lime
• Soy sauce
• Tabasco
• Hot sauces
• Dry rubs
• Rum

Jamaican Citrus Jerk Chicken with Caribbean Rice

Jerk is a fiery spice rub for marinating chicken, fish, and pork. This citrus jerk chicken goes nicely with Caribbean rice. Both these recipes serve 8 – 10.

Citrus Jerk Chicken

Ingredients:

• 10 chicken pieces, thighs and legs
• 8 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet chilli pepper, finely chopped
• 8 garlic cloves, crushed
• Juice of two limes
• Juice of two lemons
• Juice of two oranges
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• Half a thumb of ginger
• 1 handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 handful fresh coriander, finely chopped
• 1 handful fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp English mustard
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground allspice ((berry from the Pimento tree).
• 4-5 tbsp rum
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground sea salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients, except the chicken pieces, in a large bowl and mix well. Place the chicken pieces into the marinade and cover with cling film. Leave to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, preferably overnight.

2. When you are ready to cook the chicken, place under a hot grill, turning and basting regularly with the marinade for 15-2o minutes, or until completely cooked through. Or, if you’re willing to defy the seasons, place the chicken on a barbecue grill, allowing the flames to die out before you begin cooking. Turn and baste them regularly with the marinade for about 40-50 minutes.

Caribbean rice

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons oil
• 3/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup onion, minced
• 2 cups rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 firm ripe mango, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan and add coconut. Cook, stirring constantly until very lightly browned.  Add the onion and continue cooking and stirring for about 1 minute.

2. Add the rice and broth and bring to a boil.

3. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer until rice is cooked.

4. Remove from heat and stir in mango and garnish with the chives.