I cannot believe it’s taken me this long to make a Small Batch Caribbean Green Seasoning recipe for you all. Yes, we’ve done the classic Caribbean Green Seasoning a few times, with the intended purpose for people who cook Caribbean food regularly. However, I never considered that there may be those of us who sporadically cook Caribbean dishes or who are only now discovering our culinary delights.
This Small Batch Caribbean Green Seasoning is my tribute to those island roots, perfect for those of you who want the authentic flavor without making a massive jug. Ideal for apartment living, solo cooking, or if you’re beginning your Caribbean food journey, this one’s for you.
Ingredient Guide
- Olive oil: Helps emulsify everything into a smooth paste and carries the herb flavors beautifully.
- Garlic: Delivers that sharp, pungent note we all love in Caribbean marinades.
- Thyme: An earthy, slightly minty essential that adds depth to the seasoning.
- Scallions: Bring a mellow, sweet onion flavor.
- Chives: Offer a gentle oniony sharpness and bright green color.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh and slightly peppery contrast to the stronger herbs.
- Chadon Beni (Culantro): A bold herb that’s like cilantro on steroids; substitute with cilantro if needed.
- Pimento peppers (seasoning peppers): Sweet and mild, key for flavor without overpowering heat.
Shopping Made Easy
- Chadon Beni: Look for it in Latin or Asian markets; cilantro will work in a pinch.
- Pimento peppers: If you can’t find them, go for Cubanelle or Hungarian wax peppers for a similar sweet taste.
- Fresh herbs: Check your farmers’ market or the produce section at your local grocery store for vibrant, fresh herbs.
Cooking Notes from the Kitchen
- Preparation: Wash all herbs thoroughly and allow them to air-dry to prevent excess moisture in the seasoning.
- Texture tip: You control the final blend, so make it silky smooth or leave it a bit chunky depending on how you use it.
- Storage hack: Keeps up to 3 months refrigerated in a sealed glass container; for longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays.
- Usage ideas: Use it as a marinade for meats, a flavor booster in soups and stews, or even mixed into your scrambled eggs.
What is Caribbean Green Seasoning used for?
Caribbean Green Seasoning is a flavor-packed herb blend used for marinating meats, seasoning stews, soups, rice dishes, and more.
Can I freeze Caribbean Green Seasoning?
Yes, freeze in ice cube trays for easy portioning—perfect for quick weeknight cooking.
What can I substitute for Chadon Beni (Culantro)?
Cilantro is the go-to substitute when Chadon Beni isn’t available. It’s milder, but still does the trick.
Can I adjust the texture of the green seasoning?
Yes, the texture can be customized to your preference, from a coarse chop to a smooth puree, depending on how you plan to use it.
Are Pimento peppers spicy?
Nope! They’re sweet and aromatic, adding flavor without heat, making them ideal for the whole family.
Small Batch Caribbean Green Seasoning
Description
A homemade concentrated blend of fresh Caribbean herbs and aromatics, perfect for marinating meats, enhancing stews, or adding a burst of flavor to any dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Wash all herbs and peppers thoroughly and allow them to air-dry.
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Roughly chop garlic, thyme, scallions, chives, parsley, Chadon Beni, and pimento peppers.
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Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor.
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Add the olive oil.
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Blend to your desired texture, smooth or slightly chunky. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
