Posts

Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas (Local Red Peas)

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If you want to know the secret to a perfect Sunday dinner, you have to start at the market. While most people today grab a bag of imported dried red kidney beans, the true, old-school Jamaican Rice and Peas is made with local red peas. These are the fresh, vibrant beans still in their pods that you see bundled up in the market stalls early in the morning. I always tell my readers at  jamaicancookery.com : if you can find them, buy them! Currently, a bundle costs between  $300 and $350 JMD  depending on your seller. You have to get there early, though, because more and more Jamaicans are reverting to using these local peas for their superior flavor and texture. Unlike imported dried beans that require hours of soaking and long boiling times, fresh local red peas are naturally soft. They cook to perfection in 30 minutes or less , releasing a deep, natural pigment that gives the rice that authentic reddish-purple hue we all love. In this post, I'll show you how to handle the...

How to Make Crispy Jamaican Oven French Fried Chicken

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 Hey food lovers! Today, we're diving into a beloved Jamaican classic: "French Fried" chicken. Now, if you're not from the island, you might be thinking "deep fried," but for us, it's all about that unmistakable crispy coating and juicy interior that we lovingly call "French fried. In Jamaica, we have a specific way of talking about food. If you hear someone talking about "French Fried" chicken , don't go looking for potatoes! In our culture, "French Fried" is the traditional term for that perfectly golden, crispy, deep-fried chicken that is a staple at Sunday dinners, weddings, and roadside shops across the island. Today, I’m sharing a secret I’ve perfected on jamaicancookery.com : how to get that authentic "French Fried" look and crunch using your oven . This isn't your average baked chicken, it’s a high-crunch, low-oil masterpiece that will have your family asking which deep-fryer you bought.  The Scienc...

Jamaican Oats Porridge Recipe: Creamy, Vegan & Heart-Healthy

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The ultimate creamy Jamaican oats porridge,  thick, smooth, and infused with the natural aroma of fresh cinnamon leaves and rich coconut milk. Oats porridge is what Americans call oatmeal, though the preparation in a Jamaican kitchen is totally different! While it might not be as famous as cornmeal or peanut porridge, in our house, Foska oats are a permanent cupboard essential. Nothing starts a morning better than a warm, smooth bowl of oats. I make mine with fresh cinnamon leaves and rich coconut milk for a finish that is truly nice.  Because this recipe uses coconut milk and coconut condensed milk , it is 100% Dairy-Free and Vegan-friendly , making it perfect for anyone looking for a heart-healthy, plant-based breakfast. Doctors always encourage us to eat more oats to help with high cholesterol, and with this creamy Jamaican twist, you won’t even feel like you’re eating health food Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 2 Key Ingredients: Foska Oats, ...