One of the things I love about Caribbean food is how most of their dishes are based on simplistic flavours, infused together into what their food is all about.
I got this recipe from cousin-in-law who’s Jamaican, as I feel authenticity is everything when it comes to recipes.
Read on to find out how to make authentic Jamaican Callaloo.
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He told me all you need is the ingredients above, and thyme as your seasoning. To cook with butter, which is easily veganised anyways, much like other vegan Jamaican, or ital cuisine.
What’s in Jamaican callaloo?
Callaloo is typically prepared with onion, garlic, tomato, fresh thyme and scotch bonnet pepper. With a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Simply fry it up and that’s that. Tastes surprisingly good as compared to how simple it sounds, a great way to get your kids to eat their greens.
What’s callaloo good for?
Callaloo is rich in iron, calcium, vitamin C and a wide range of antioxidants. You can eat this knowing it may help you toward achieving a healthy, balanced diet.
It tastes similar to spinach with a slightly different texture, and pairs well with Jamaican rice and peas, as well as an alternative to basmati rice with a vegan chickpea curry.
What can I use as an alternative to Callaloo?
If you don’t have access to Callaloo, you can also use spinach, kale or mustard greens. However, it is best to use callaloo as this recipe pairs best with that specific green.
Callaloo is a great way to get your greens in with little effort, a great party food (responds well at barbeques). I made a big portion which was enough for 3 days’ worth of work lunches – Works for me.
| Prep Time | 3 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 Minutes |
| Passive Time | 15 Minutes |
| Servings |
People
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- 1 Tbsp Oil Can use vegan butter instead
- 1 Small Can Callaloo Drained and rinsed through a sieve with running water
- 1 Onion Finely chopped
- 3 Cloves garlic Minced/Grated
- 5 Cherry Tomatoes Diced
- 2/3 Sprigs Fresh Thyme On the stalk
- 1/4 Scotch bonnet Whole piece (optional - and can remove after)
- Salt/Pepper To taste
Ingredients
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- Chop up the onion, garlic, and tomatoes, and a slice of scotch bonnet pepper. Open the can of callaloo and drain, then rinse through a sieve.
- Heat oil or butter in a frying pan and add onions, then cook till fregrant (2 minutes), then add the garlic and tomatoes, scotch bonnet piece and thyme,
- Add the drained callaloo whilse stirring, then add salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, taste and test for salt and pepper adjustments.
- Serve and enjoy.
Remove the thyme sticks after you cook the callaloo, they aren't edible.
If you want to use a scotch bonnet for the flavour but don't want to accidentally eat it, use a yellow one and it'll be harder to miss!
