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.