chris de la rosa

Here’s a dish I usually reach for when I’m homesick for the Caribbean and I need something comforting. Served with rice, pasta, ground provisions, roasted breadfruit or even garlic mashed potatoes, this coconut stewed beef is simply heavenly. While we didn’t eat a lot of beef when I was growing up on the islands (we didn’t like the taste of fresh butchered beef), the occasional time mom would fix this for dinner. it was always a hit. Since we’ll slowly braise this for some time, you can use a very cheap cut of beef if you wanted.

You’ll Need…

4 lbs beef (1 inch cube)
1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 teaspoon grated ginger
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 Habanero pepper (any spicy pepper you like)
1.5 cups coconut milk
1.5 cups water
2 scallions (chopped)
4-6 sprigs thyme
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 medium onion (diced)
1 tablespoon veg oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar (golden)

Season your washed/cubed pieces of beef with the salt, habanero pepper, ketchup, onion, Caribbean Green Seasoning, Worcestershire and grated ginger. Mix well and allow to marinate for a couple hours. You can add a diced tomato if you wish.. the acidity is excellent in the mix. Don’t use any of the seeds of the habanero pepper if you’re concerned about the raw heat and remember to wash your hands immediately after with soap and water.

Heat the vegetable oil on a high flame in a heavy pot (one with a lid). Then add the brown sugar and stir. The sugar will melt, go frothy, then amber in color. Do NOT proceed if it goes darker or the finished dish will have a terrible burnt taste. This step is what we know as ‘stewing’ in the Caribbean (watch the video below). As it goes amber in color, start adding the seasoned beef to the pot and stir well to coat.

As it comes up to a boil, reduce the heat to med/low, cover the pot and let it go for about 10 minutes. After which it’s time to burn off all the natural liquid it will sprout. Remove the lid and crank up the heat. This will give us that rich color and flavor we’re looking for.

The goal is the make sure there’s no more liquid at the bottom of the pot (you should see the veg oil we started off with). Toss in the scallions and thyme and give it a good stir. Now add the water (swish the water in the same bowl you marinated the beef in to pick up any remaining marinade), then add the coconut milk.

With your heat still on high, bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer, cover the pot and allow it to cook until the pieces of beef are tender. This should take between 1 hour and fifteen to thirty minutes. Depends of the size of your beef pieces, the cut of beef and how old the animal was before they butchered it. Remember to stir every 15-20 minutes.

In my case it took about 1 hr and 10 mins for the pieces of beef to be tender and the gravy to be the consistency I like. Taste for salt and adjust accordingly.. you can also top with some additional chopped scallions to brighten it up a bit. Enjoy!

Fork tender and packed with flavors of the Caribbean, this coconut stewed beef is guaranteed to be a hit with your family… as it is with mine. You can certainly stretch this dish with some carrots and/or potatoes, but you’ll have to adjust the seasoning a bit.

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How To Make Haitian Griot.

May 27, 2025May 25, 2017Leave a Comment

While this is my take on the iconic Haitian Griot, it’s heavily influenced by the way my friend’s mom would make it when I’d find excuses to stay to play Super Mario at their apartment. Pieces of pork (usually a cheap cut with marbling of fat) seasoned with herbs, braised until tender and finally fried until golden and crisp. Back in those days playing Nintendo and patiently waiting for his mom to ask if I’d stay for dinner, my mind was never far from the Pikliz (Picklese) which automatically made it’s way on the table.

You’ll Need…

3-4 lbs pork (cheap cut)
1 lime or lemon (to wash the pork)
3/4 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
5 sprigs thyme
5 cloves
1 tablespoon Epis
1 cup sour orange juice
2 cloves garlic (diced)
2 medium onions (diced)
1 scallion (chopped)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (chopped)

* If you cannot source the sour-orange juice, you can use the juice of 1 lime and an orange combined.

Cut the pieces of pork into 1 inch pieces and wash with the lime or lemon juice along with some cool water. Drain well and season with all the ingredients mentioned above. Stir well, then place in a pot with a lid and on a medium flame.

You’ll notice that I included Epis zepizs into my recipe, which for some is not traditional (varies), but since I had some in the fridge I opted for that extra layer of flavor. Place the lid on the pot and bring to a boil. As soon as it comes to a boil, reduce to a simmer (lid on) and cook for about 40 minutes or until the pieces of pork are tender. I used a boneless piece of pork, but can opt for pork with bones.

After about 40 minutes remove off the flame, drain and allow to air dry for a bit.

Heat about 2 cups of vegetable oil in a pan (I may have not mentioned that in the ingredient list) on a med/high heat, then add the pieces of pork. It’s important that the pork is dry or the hot oil could potentially jump back at you and you’ll get burned. Fry for about 3-5 minutes – basically until golden with crisp edges.

Drain on paper towels and serve warm. If you wanted you can sprinkle on some salt while it’s still hot.. personally the salt we seasoned it with from the start was enough for me. I cut the scotch bonnet pepper to get the full blast of the Caribbean Sunshine, but you can float it whole (don’t break) for a gentle kick. Remember to remove the pepper before draining/frying and to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling such lethal peppers.

My favorite way to enjoy Griot is on sandwiches, topped with Picklese!

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Seafood

Classic Island Pepper Shrimp.

June 21, 2017May 10, 20174 Comments

Another Pepper Shrimp recipe Chris? Yea, it’s definitely one of my weaknesses when it comes to snacking. We’ve gone though about 4 different styles of pepper shrimp to date, but I must admit that this one is my absolute favorite. And to be quite honest, it’s not only super easy to make, it’s also super-quick to put together. On it’s own as a snack, as a side to fried rice or stir fried noodles or on sandwiches, you’ll love this shrimp recipe. You can be the BOSS when it comes to how HOT you make it.

You’ll Need…

1 lb medium shrimp
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/3 teaspoon salt
1 heaping tablespoon corn starch
2 scotch bonnet peppers
3 cloves garlic
3 scallions
2 cups veg oil (for frying)
2 tablespoon veg oil

Peel, devein and wash the shrimp.Drain dry and coat with the black pepper, salt and corn starch.

This will cook very fast, so I’d recommend preparing the other ingredients in advance. Finely chop the garlic, scallions and scotch bonnet peppers. Be mindful that if you include the seeds from the peppers it will increase the heat level and kindly do yourself a favor and wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling such hot peppers.

Heat the oil for ‘frying’ on medium/high. Since the shrimp is coated with the cornstarch they may tend to stick together. Fry for a minute or so and set aside. DON’T over cook!

In a new pan heat the 2 tablespoons of veg oil on a very LOW heat and then go in with the other ingredients. We want to gently allow the flavors of the garlic, scallions and scotch bonnet to come together. Cook on low for 3-5 mins, then add the cooked shrimp and toss well to coat. Since it’s important that we don’t over-cook the shrimp, as they heat through you can take the pot off the stove.

Serve warm for the best flavors.. if reheating, I’d recommend doing so in the oven and not a microwave. As mentioned above, this is my favorite pepper shrimp recipe to date and I’m very positive you’ll be a superstar when you serve this up with some cold beers.

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Drinks

Traditional Cocoa Tea (Caribbean hot chocolate).

June 6, 2017May 4, 20175 Comments

Did you know that any hot drink you have along with breakfast in the Caribbean is mainly refereed to as being ‘tea’? That said, here’s the most classic of Caribbean ‘tea”.. Cocoa Tea! My dad would tell me stories about when he lived with my great grandparents as the kid, on their cocoa and coffee estate in Trinidad and Tobago, and how rich and creamy his grandmother would make his tea in the morning. From the cocoa he would have helped to harvest and process the season before.

You’ll Need…

3-4 tablespoons grated cocoa
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
3 cups regular milk
1 tablespoon vanilla
pinch salt
pinch allspice
1 bay leaf
2-3 tablespoon brown sugar
2-3 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk
1 stick cinnamon (small)
2 pods cardamom (optional)
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

*The addition of the cardamon pods is not traditional.. I saw some in my spice drawer and knew it would be an excellent addition. I added some orange peel to the pot but it’s optional. Traditionally my mom would have dried orange peel in the kitchen (added) so I grew up appreciating that hint of citrus in my cocoa tea.

In a deep pot place all the ingredients (except the sweetened condensed milk) and bring to a boil on a medium flame.

As it starts coming up to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer (don’t boil vigorously) and whisk.

Simmer for 5 minutes, then add the condensed milk (adjust to your liking). Finally… strain and serve hot.

The cocoa stick I used (processed and shaped into the cigar shape) was a gift from my friend, who’s mom brought it back from Dominica. Most Caribbean grocery stores would usually stock this processed cocoa and if you’re traveling through the Caribbean, it’s usually found in those souvenir stores at the airports. If you choose to do this dairy free, you can substitute the milk with whatever your milk substitute of choice is and instead of the condensed milk you can use a good cane sugar, palm sugar or honey. I won’t recommend using only coconut milk (as my great grandmother would) as it may cause your stomach to act-up.

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Gluten Free Vegetarian

The Ultimate Hummus Recipe.

May 4, 2017April 25, 20173 Comments

It’s funny how I kept telling people that I’m not a fan of Hummus and just didn’t understand the sort of current ‘Hummus Hype“.. until I started making my own. While Hummus may seem exotic, it’s probably one of the simplest recipes to put together. There’s no cooking involved, can be done in under 5 minutes and you can play around with flavors you like. In my case I like my Hummus to have a slight kick, with a subtle smoky undertone. Any excuse to put “Caribbean Sunshine” (scotch bonnet peppers) to use.

You’ll Need…

2 cups chickpeas (can)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoon Tahini
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoon olive oil
juice 1 1/2 lemons
1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
2 tablespoon water

For presentation:
– chopped parsley
– few whole chickpeas
– paprika
– drizzle olive oil

Important! If doing this hummus vegan or gluten free, please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure the recipe meets with your specific vegan and/or gluten free dietary needs.

Drain and rinse the chickpeas (from a can) with cool water, then place in your food processor.

Char the scotch bonnet pepper (use any spicy pepper you like or have available) over an open flame. In my case I used a long tongs to hold the pepper in place directly over a burner on my stove. Should take less than a minute to char. set aside to cool. Remember if you’re using a metal tongs to be mindful that direct contact with the heat will make it go hot to touch.

Smash the garlic and add it along with everything else to the food processor. When the scotch bonnet is cool enough to handle, remove the seeds and give it a rough chop before placing as much as you can handle into the food processor. Keep the seeds if you want it REALLY spicy. It’s VERY important that you wash your hands with soap and water immediately handing hot peppers.

Pulse to start, then puree until smooth. You may need to push down the sides as you go along. Add a bit more water, oil or lemon juice if you find it’s overly thick. If you’re watching the video below, please note the ingredient list above was adjusted accordingly.

Pour into your serving bowl and garnish with some chopped parsley, paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. You can store this hummus in the fridge for a week or so (airtight container).

Did you know? The last group of immigrants (1904) to venture to colonial Trinidad originated in the region previously known as Greater Syria, which comprises of present day Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon. Many of the Lebanese hailed from the villages of Buhandoun and Amyoun while the Syrians came from villages in the ‘Valley of the Christians.’ These Arabs emigrated to the Caribbean from as early as 1904 in an attempt to escape religious persecution and economic hardship in their native countries.

Trinidad’s thriving economy, political stability and pristine environment proved to be the ideal location where these displaced Arabs could establish new lives.

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Gluten Free Vegetarian

Tasty Vegetarian 3 Spinach Rice

April 22, 2017April 22, 2017Leave a Comment

Looking back I think I originally documented this recipe late summer / early fall last year.. when my garden was loaded with the ‘spinach’ I’m about to use in this recipe. I’m using the word ‘spinach’ a bit loosely, as I’m really referring to several types of greens when I do. I’m a HUGE fan of greens so I usually plant several varieties in my garden every year. I’m told that as a kid on the islands my favorites (bhagi aka greens) were Dasheen Bush (tender leaves of the dasheen plant), Pak Choi and Chorai (Jamaican Callalloo)… mom never had a problem with me eating when she would cook those dishes.

You’ll Need…

2-3 cups chopped Jamaican Callaloo
2-3 cups chopped Kale
2-3 cups chopped Swiss Chard
1 teaspoon salt (adjust)
1/2 med onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 sprigs thyme
2 scallions
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 scotch bonnet pepper
2 cups parboiled brown rice

Important: If doing this recipe gluten free please go through the entire list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs.

Wash, drain and trim the different greens (I cut into 1 cm ribbons) and set aside. Don’t use the tough stems of the Jamaican Callaloo (Chorai) and Kale.

In a wide pot/pan heat the olive oil on a med/low flame, then go in with the diced onion, chopped scallions, smashed garlic, black pepper, allspice and thyme. Cook for about 1-2 minutes.

Start adding all the chopped greens to the pot and stir and add the salt.

It’s now time to add the washed rice (place the rice in a bowl, cover with water and move the grains between your fingers.. the water will go cloudy. drain and repeat until the water is clear. or you can place the rice in a strainer and run cool water over it.. massage until the water runs clear) and mix with everything else in the pot.

It’s now time to crank up the heat to high and go in with the coconut milk and water.

As it comes to a boil, place the whole scotch bonnet on top (don’t break – we want the flavors of the oils on the skin and NOT the raw heat). Stir well, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

It took about 22-25 minutes to cook. Turn off the heat, lid still on and allow it to continue cool/cooking with the residual heat. After about 15 minutes, you can now go in with a fork and fluff the rice. Do remember to remove the scotch bonnet pepper before you fluff the rice to ensure you don’t mistakenly break it. Once broken it will release that Caribbean Sunshine (heat).

An amazing one pot vegetarian rice dish (probably vegan too?) packed with flavors of the islands. Do keep an eye on the level of liquid as it cooks (add more boiling water if necessary) and remember to taste it for salt near the end and adjust accordingly. You can always add vegetable stock instead of water, but be mindful of the sodium level. or go in with chicken stock if not making this vegetarian.

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