Any romantic involvement with a Jamaican is an adventure unto itself. But just imagine you that you`ve somehow managed to upset your Jamaican husband/boyfriend. He is mad and won’t forgive you. How do you soften his heart for forgiveness? With food of course! The way to a Jamaican man`s heart is definitely through his stomach. So to get on his good side, ensure that he walks through the door tonight and smell the irresistible aroma one of these dishes. Here are 5 Recipes that Will Make A Jamaican Husband/Man Forgive Anything.
Curry goat – If ackee and saltfish should ever fall short of its coveted number one position then curried goat would naturally take its place. The goat meat is seasoned with scallion, onions, garlic, thyme, spices and Jamaican scotch bonnet pepper before being bathed in curry powder and slow cooked until it is unbelievably tender. This dish is so famously mouth-watering that no self-respecting Jamaican will dare leave curry goat off the menu at a family gathering.
Mannish water – In days gone by, mannish water used to be a staple of nine nights but now it`s gotten so popular that mannish water flavoured pack soups are being sold in supermarkets. Original mannish water is a savoury soup with generous amounts of ram goat belly, goat head, and nearly all edible parts left over from the goat meat that will be curried.
Stew peas – You`d never guess that ordinary kidney beans could be made to taste like God himself seasoned it. This heavenly stew is a generous pot of red kidney beans, seasoned with local herbs and spices. Many Jamaicans swear that this dish could never be complete without adding corned pork or pig tails. However, stew peas with beef is also a popular and tasty combination.
Steam fish – Mek mi tell you something. You are definitely missing out on something good if you`ve never had a Jamaican style steamed fish seasoned with garlic, herbs and spices and a toops of butter. Even more finger licking is when it`s wrapped in aluminum foil and steamed in its own juices in the oven or on a grill.
Ackee and Saltfish – Jamaica`s national dish is so sinfully delicious, it`s even been featured on several international lists as one of the best dishes in the world. The ackee, a fruit/vegetable (that debate is still ongoing) has a unique taste that some describe as a cross between avocado and egg. Ackee and saltfish combination seasoned with scallions, onions, thyme and Jamaican scotch bonnet pepper will definitely have him requesting this meal again and again.
Brown stew chicken – The star of Jamaican brown stew chicken is often not the chicken itself but the sauce. The slow cooked meat is surrounded by a healthy serving of carrots, potatoes, onions, garlic and other herbs and spices, cooked in a savoury sauce that often contains caramel/browning and ketchup. It is best served slathered onto a plate of rice or with boiled green bananas, yam and boiled dumplings.
Oxtail – Stewed oxtail has been a popular meal in Jamaica for decades. The dish starts off by seasoning the meat and frying in hot oil for a nice caramel colour. Next, the oxtail is transferred to a pressure cooker for a few minutes to tenderize the meat and soften the bones. The meat is then slow cooked in a delicious caramel gravy with broad beans, carrots, potatoes, herbs and spices. The best way to enjoy a meal of Jamaican Oxtail is to suck the bone dry after you`ve enjoyed the meat!
Sweet potato pudding – One taste of sweet potato pudding and, like many Jamaicans, your significant other will swear that his navel string cut on sweet potato pudding. The sugary root is grated and mixed with flour, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon and spices, and baked slowly for one of the most heavenly desserts you`ll ever taste in your life!
Red Peas Soup – Traditions may be changing but the Sat`day soup is still a popular thing in many Jamaican homes whether yaad or abroad. Red peas soup contains copious amounts of red peas, cooked with yam, banana, dumplings, carrots, potatoes and of course seasoned local herbs such scallion and thyme.
