Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Curry Goat With Pigeon Peas.

Across the Caribbean we’ve got our ‘own’ way of making Curry Goat and over the years I’ve shared the sort of Classic Curry Goat, an Outdoor Fiery Curry Goat, Slow Cooker Curry Goat, a One Hour Curry Goat using a pressure cooker, Curry Goat Done In The Oven and the Classic Jamaican Curry Goat. While they’re all brilliant recipes, this version is a bit different and probably the easiest as you’re about to learn.

3 lbs goat (with bones)
1 lemon (juice)
1 medium onion (sliced)
8 cloves garlic (smashed)
3/4 tablespoon ground masala
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera)
5-7 bird’s eye peppers
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon turmeric
3 tablespoon curry powder
3/4 tablespoon grated ginger
3 bay leaves
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
1 large tomato (diced)
1 1/2 cups pigeon peas
5-7 cups water
3 tablespoon chopped chadon beni (culantro)

Notes! May I recommend that you follow along with the video below as much more about the recipe is discussed there. If making this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Should you not have lemon juice to wash the goat, you may use lime juice or 1/4 cup of white vinegar. While boneless goat means not having to deal with bones when you serve this curry dish, IMHO you get a deeper flavor with bone-in meats.

Get your butcher to cut the goat for you (if you’re using bone-in as I did) as the bones will be very tough to cut at home. Then wash with the juice of the lemon and cool water. Drain, then place in your large pot on a medium/low flame. As explained in the video, the goal is to render out some of the fat and discard it.

After about 25-30 minutes I removed most of the fat that rendered, but I did leave back about a tablespoon in the pot. It’s now time to add the Onion, garlic, Caribbean Green Seasoning, geera (ground roasted cumin), black pepper, ground Masala and Bird’s Eye peppers. You may use any spicy peppers you like and in the amounts you can tolerate. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes.

After this add the turmeric, curry powder and ginger and cook for about 3-5 minutes. The goal is to cook out the rawness of the curry and in doing so, we’ll bloom the spices which make up a good curry powder.

Add the rinsed (was frozen) pigeon peas along with the tomato and bay leaves. I much prefer using Bay leaves than Curry leaves, but that’s just my choice. Stir well.

Turn the heat to medium high, add the salt and 5 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 2 and 1/2 hours. During the cooking process I did end up adding an additional 2 cups of water to the pot. Yes, stir every 20-30 minutes.

Depending on the age of the goat when it was butchered, it should be tender at this point. Here’s where you’ll now taste and adjust the salt to your liking and determine if the gravy is as thick as you’d like it. Keep in mind that it will further thicken as it cools.

Toss in the chopped shado beni (culantro) or should you not have that on hand, cilantro (coriander) will also work.

Serve with rice or Buss Up Shut Roti and a side of Mango Talkari.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Easy and Delicious Curry Lamb with Potato and Chickpeas Recipe.

If you’ve tried my Coconut Curry Lamb recipe, you can attest to the absolute delicious nature of a good Caribbean curry. With this version of Curry Lamb, we’ll give the overall dish more body and help to stretch it for more people.

You’ll Need…

3 lbs lamb (I used shoulder w bones)
lemon (juice)
2-3 tablespoon olive oil
8-12 cloves garlic (smashed)
2 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
1 medium tomato (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
1 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 scotch bonnet pepper (chopped)
1 tablespoon cumin seeds (geera)
1 teaspoon Anchar Masala
4 medium potatoes (1/4s)
1 can chickpeas (rinsed/drained)
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
1 teaspoon black pepper
5-6 cups water
1 scallion (chopped)
2 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin
2 tablespoon coconut cream

Notes! If making this recipe gluten free please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet your specific gluten free requirements. Especially the curry powder you used (discussed in the video below). Use any hot pepper you like/can source and in the amounts you can tolerate. I prefer using bone-in lamb for this recipe, however you’re free to use boneless cuts should you prefer.

Wash the pieces of lamb with the juice of the lemon and cool water, drain and set aside. for now. Get your deep pot on a medium flame and add the olive oil. You may use any oil you enjoy using.

Then add the onion, garlic, cumin seeds, Caribbean Green Seasoning and scotch bonnet pepper, cook for about 2-3 minutes, before adding the anchar masala (see your fav West Indian grocers, in the video below I explained what to use should you not be able to source it). Stir well.

Follow up with the curry powder (I discuss my fav curry powder in the video below) and stir well. Continue cooking on that medium flame for another 2-3 minutes. Then it’s time to add the diced tomatoes and stir well.

Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then add the prepared lamb pieces (cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces and I included the bones) and stir well to coat.

Add the salt and black pepper, continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes with the pot uncovered. It’s time to add the potato (cut into large pieces) as well as the chickpeas (channa) and stir well.

If you watched my curry Channa and Aloo video you’ll see how I removed the outer skin of the chickpeas and why I do so. Add the coconut cream (use 1 cup coconut milk if you don’t have cream) and water to cover everything.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and place the lid on the pot, slightly ajar. The goal now is to cook everything slowly and in doing so we’ll not only get tender pieces of lamb, but we’ll develop the rich and deep flavors of the curry.

After 1 1/2 hours, we need to check to see if the lamb is tender as well as taste and adjust the salt to your liking. Keep in mind that during the cooking process, should you need to add additional water (if it goes too THICK), feel free to do so. Also note as this cools it will thicken further, so adjust the gravy consistency accordingly.

Once the lamb is tender, salt is perfect and the gravy is to your liking, add the scallions, parsley (explained why I didn’t use cilantro nor shado beni in the video) and roasted cumin (geera) powder, stir well and shut off the stove.

A couple additional flavors you may consider adding as it cooks are a small stick of cinnamon and 2 bay leaves.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Caribbean Curry Goat.

Do we really need another Curry Goat recipe? If the technique is different than the ones I’ve already shared, absolutely YES we do! Over the years we done Curry Goat in the Oven, in the Slow Cooker, Coal Pot, Pressure Cooker, and the more traditional low and slow way. However, in none of those recipes did we employ the use of this technique of cooking curry.

You’ll Need…

4-5 lbs goat (with bones)
1 lime or lemon (see note)
1 medium onion (sliced)
10-14 cloves gallic (smashed)
2 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (use your fav oil)
2 heaping tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
2 bay leaves | 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 tablespoon Anchar Masala
1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (geera)
1 scotch bonnet pepper (see note)
2 1/2 tablespoon curry powder
4-6 pimento berries (allspice)
1 large tomato (diced)
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
water
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Notes! May I suggest that you watch the video below as I share valuable washing, cutting, and other important steps in more detail. I used goat meat with bones as I much prefer the deeper flavor I get from doing so. If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free requirements. Especially the Curry Powder you use as some may contain fillers. The Anchar Masala can be sourced at your local or online West Indian grocers. In total I used close to two Scotch Bonnet peppers as I enjoy my Curry Goat spicy. You’re free to use as much or less to your own heat tolerance.

In a deep heavy pot on a medium flame, add the oil, followed by the onion and garlic. Cook on low for 2 minutes, then add the cumin seeds, black pepper, 1/2 a scotch bonnet pepper and Caribbean Green Seasoning. Cook for another 3 minutes on low, stirring a few times.

Add the curry powder and stir well. Cook for 4-5 minutes. Now turn the heat up to medium and add 1 1/2 cups water. Followed by the pimento berries, tomato, and Anchar Masala. Should you not have the masala, use 1 teaspoon ground roasted cumin (geera).

The goal here is to cook out the ‘rawness’ of the curry, while building a wicked curry base. Add the bay leaves. The tomato will help us later develop a wonderful gravy and the acidity brings balance to the overall flavor of the curry.

Cook on a rapid boil until all of the liquid is gone. This step will concentrate the overall flavor of the curry. In the video I explained that I want to see the oil we started with, plus get separation when I pass my spatula.

At this point we’ll add the washed and drained goat to the pot. Turn the heat up to medium/high as we want to sear the pieces of goat and in the process coat it with the curry. No we did not season the goat in advance and in the video I explained how and why I washed the the goat with the lime juice.

Turn the heat to medium, cover the pot and let the goat spring it’s own juices as it comes to a boil. After which, turn the heat to med/low and let it cook with the lid slightly ajar for 10 minutes.

Time to move on. Remove the lid, turn up the heat and burn off that liquid.

We now have to add liquid to slowly braise the goat until fork tender. I’ve been asked about using chicken and/or beef stock instead of the water I prefer using. Note that should you use stock, it will alter the taste of the finished curry. If I were to use any stock, it’d go for a vegetable one.

Add boiling water to the pot to cover the goat by about 1 inch or so. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer, add the salt and allow it to cook with the lid on (slightly ajar) for 2- 3 hours. Yes it will take long and as explained in the video, the cook time (getting tender) will depend on how old the goat was when it was butchered. An older goat will obviously take longer to tenderize.

As it came up to a boil I added the sprigs of time and floated a Fatali pepper (optional), which I broke later on to release the heat. Should you want to control the heat of this curry goat, do not add a scotch bonnet at the start when we did. Instead, float a WHOLE pepper at this point and Do NOT break it. Near the end, remove the pepper and discard. You’ll get a subtle kiss of heat and tons of flavor from the oils on the skin of the pepper.

Remember to stir every 20 minutes or so and make sure there’s water so it doesn’t burn (add if necessary). After about 2 and 1/2 hours, check to see if it’s tender to your liking and you may as well taste and adjust the salt now.

Once you’re happy with the salt and tenderness, adjust the gravy (turn up the heat to thicken.. but keep in mind that it will thicken as it cools). Final step is to add the parsley and turn off the stove. Since goat can be fatty (unless you use lean boneless), I find that the parsley cuts the fat a bit. Traditionally you’d use Shado Beni (culantro) or cilantro (coriander) instead.

We didn’t season and marinate the goat over night, however you’ll be pleasantly surprised how delicious this Curry Goat is.

Low and slow is the game. Yes a pressure cooker will cut the time by about 75%, but I can guarantee you, it will not be as tasty.

Gluten Free Meat & Poultry

Outdoor Fiery Coal-Pot Curry Goat.

This recipe is influenced by the various “bush cook” I’d enjoy with my childhood friends on the islands. Typically it would be something very simple, like dahseen bush bhagi (simmered in freshly made coconut milk) and cassava (from my dad’s garden) / flour dumplings.. we never had the $$ to buy fish, chicken, goat etc. We were kids! This time we’ll be using a traditional coal pot (back then it was three stones, a pot and bamboo fire) as my ancestors would use to cook their meals. Watch the video below for more details.

You’ll Need…

3-4 lbs goat (with bones)
1 medium onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 large tomato (diced)
2 scallions (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional)
1 tablespoon salt
2-3 tablespoon veg oil
2-3 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon Garam Masala
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
3 cardamon
4 allspice berries
6-8 cups water
2 tablespoon chopped shado beni + 5 birds eye pepper

Note : Coriander seeds when cooked gives a sort of bitter lemon flavor that’s not likable by all, so you can omit it. Remember to use as much Scotch Pepper as you can handle and to wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling them. Additionally, if doing this recipe gluten free, be sure to go through the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs. Especially the curry powder you use as some may contain flour as a filler.

I used the juice of a lemon along with cool water to wash the goat meat – drain well. Traditionally I’ve seen people use flour instead of the lemon juice to wash their goat meat, saying that the acid from the lemon or lime will tighten the meat and make it tougher. If using meat with bones (best flavor IMHO) be sure to get your butcher to cut it into 1 – 1 1/2 inch pieces for you. As you kitchen knife will struggle to go through the bones. Then season with the Caribbean Green Seasoning, Black Pepper, Garam Masala, salt, tomato, scotch bonnet peppers (I included the seeds – this is a FIERY dish) and grated ginger. Mix well and allow it to marinate for at least 2 hours, overnight will be best.

I used a traditional Coal Pot as mentioned above, so I got my fire started.. to be honest, the smokey flavor from the burning wood or charcoal gives any curry dish a wonder flavor you CANNOT achieve on a stove-top. Now in a heavy pot, heat the oil, then add the onion and garlic (I kept the cloves whole) Turn your heat down to low and cook for 2-3 minutes – but don’t burn the garlic please.

With the heat still on low, add the coriander, allspice, cardamon and cumin seeds- stir. Cook for 3 minutes.

It’s now time to add your favorite curry powder cook (low heat) – 3 -4 minutes – to cook off the rawness of the curry and to bloom the spices which makes up the curry.

Crank up the heat and add the seasoned goat to the pot – stir well to coat each piece of goat with that curry goodness. Cover the pot, medium/low heat. Add the water to the same bowl you marinated the goat in and set aside for later

After 15 minutes, crank up the heat and remove the lid. The goal is to burn off all the natural liquid and infuse the meat with the curry flavor. Takes about 5-7 minutes on high heat. Try to get to where you see the oil we started off with… at the bottom of the pot.

Now go in with the water we reserved in the bowl we marinated the goat in and bring to a boil.

2 hours later on a simmer/low heat (lid on the pot), taste for salt, make sure it’s tender to your liking and reduce the gravy to the consistency you like (turn up the heat to achieve this). Now top with the chopped Shado beni and bird’s eye pepper. You’re Done! An unbelievable curry goat your family will insist on time and time again.

Remember depending on the age of the goat it may take a bit longer to get fork tender, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you can, please support. And should you have questions about this recipe or anything food related, be sure to Ask Chris.

Meat & Poultry

Jamaican Curry Goat Recipe.

jamaican-curry-goat-8

While we use the same ingredients and for the most part cook similar dishes, you’ll find that as you travel across the West Indies the technique we employ on each island differs. That is exactly the case with one of the most famous dishes coming out of the Caribbean, Curry Goat. A curry goat from Trinidad and Tobago will most certainly be different than one from Grenada and just as unique as one done in a Guyanese or Haitian home. I’ve shared several methods of cooking curry goat so far, but it seems we’ve not had a go at a Jamaican version, until now.

You’ll Need…

2 1/2 lbs goat
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 small onions (or 1 large)
1/2 scotch bonnet pepper
1 1/2 – 2 tablespoon curry powder
2 tablespoon veg oil
5 sprigs thyme
2 scallions (chopped)
1 bay leaf (optional)
8 allspice berries (aka pimento berries)
3 cups water
3 medium potatoes

IMPORTANT! If doing this recipe gluten free, kindly go through the entire list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary needs. Especially the curry powder you use as it may contain flour as a filler. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after handling such hot peppers.

jamaican-curry-goat-1

I’d recommend using goat meat with bones as you’ll get much more flavor (and cheaper) than with boneless goat. Have your butcher cut the pieces for you as you’ll need a saw to cut through the bones. Wash the meat with water and the juice of a lime or lemon (not mentioned in the ingredient list), drain and get ready to season.

With the goat meat (washed) in a large bowl, go in with the salt, onion, scotch bonnet (I used a habanero..any hot pepper will work) and the curry powder. Give it a good stir (feel free to add a bit of olive oil to the marinade if you wish) and set it in the fridge to marinate overnight or at least 2 hours.

jamaican-curry-goat-2

Heat the oil in a wide/heavy pan (one with a lid) on medium heat and add the pieces of marinated goat. Stir well and try to sear the pieces, while infusing that lovely curry base. Don’t cover the pot at this point. After about 5 minutes, it’s time to add the all the other ingredients except the water. Give everything a good mix in the pot  Add the water to the bowl you seasoned the goat in and mix it around to pick up any remaining marinade.

jamaican-curry-goat-3

jamaican-curry-goat-4

Pour in the water, raise the heat to high, then as it comes to a boil reduce to a gentle simmer and cover the pot. Allow this to cook slowly for 1 1/2 hrs. The goal is to get it tender.

jamaican-curry-goat-5

If you find that you’re running out of liquid in the pot you can always add a cup or two of hot water. It’s now time to add the potato (1/4) and tuck in under the liquid. Give another 30 minutes or so to fully cook.

jamaican-curry-goat-6

By now you should have tender goat, thick gravy and soft pieces of potato. Taste for salt and adjust to your liking. I try not to play around much with the pot after adding the potatoes as I like them maintaining their shape and texture. BUT.. should you want to thicken your gravy even more, you can crush a couple pieces with the back of your spoon. Depending on how old the goat was (when it was butchered) the 2 hours of cooking time will be enough to have the meat falling off the bones (but that’s not always the case).  The potato not only adds a lovely texture and taste to this curry goat, but it’s a great way to stretch 2 1/2 lbs of meat. As you turn off the stove you can top with some chopped parsley or cilantro as I did. Keep in mind that as it cools the gravy will thicken up a bit.

jamaican-curry-goat-7

Feel free to add garlic, a stick of cinnamon and/or a bay leaf while cooking for even more unique flavor. If you’re familiar with how curry goat is cooked on the islands, you’ll identify the slight differences of this Jamaican curry goat recipe. Feel free to use lamb/ mutton instead of the goat for similar results.

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Meat & Poultry

The Simplest Oven Curry Goat Recipe.

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty way to prepare curry goat with a Caribbean signature, look no further. I remember my aunt starting her curry goat on the stove top, then the last couple hours she would place it in the oven to slowly do it’s thing in the oven. Falling off the bone tender and infused with from the slow braising process of cooking the curry in the oven… pour over some steamed rice and boy I tell you. Pure niceness!

In this version we’ll marinate the goat pieces in a classic Caribbean marinade for a few hours, then everything goes into an oven-proof container in the oven for the magic to happen.

 

You’ll Need…

2 lbs goat *
4 med potatoes (1/4’s)
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 heaping tablespoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ketchup
2 tablespoon Caribbean green seasoning
2 slices ginger
1 seasoning pepper (pimento pepper)
1 medium onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 scallion (chopped)
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup water
4 bird’s eye pepper (or 1/4 scotch bonnet)
1/4 teaspoon allspice

 

* I like using goat meat with bones as I find there’s more flavor, especially when doing a curry and it’s much cheaper at the butcher than boneless. Just make sure to ask the butcher to cut it for you with their electric saw. Curry traditionalists will argue that you need to cook (fry the curry) so you don’t get that raw curry taste. But the 3 hours of braising will take care of that in a delicious way.

Wash, rinse and drain the goat meat, then season with everything mentioned above except the coconut milk, water, bird’s eye pepper and potatoes. Click “Caribbean Green Seasoning” for the recipe for this wonderful base to many Caribbean dishes. Allow this seasoned goat meat to marinate in the fridge (cover with plastic wrap) for at least a couple hrs (overnight is best).

Preheat your oven at 375 F. As it comes to temperature, place the seasoned goat in an oven-proof container with a lid and add the other ingredients. Do not break the bird’s eye peppers as we want the flavor without the raw heat. Place on the middle rack in the oven (covered) and let it slowly braise for 2.5 to 3  hours.

Remember to cut the potatoes in big pieces so they won’t melt away while cooking. After 2.5 hrs, taste for salt and here’s where you can remove the bird’s eye peppers or break them if you want some wicked heat. If you find that the gravy is overly thin, you can leave it uncovered the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Top with some chopped shado beni (culantro), cilantro or parsley and some diced tomato to give it some added color.. after taking it out of the oven.

Here’s one of those classic Caribbean curry dishes where you can actually place it in the oven and go about doing other things at home and have a wicked main course for dinner. I’m sure you can do the same in a slow cooker as well, but you may just need to add more time to get it fully tender and infused with that wonderful curry goodness. If you want to make this dish stretch you can add more potatoes, carrots and diced celery (a bit more cooking liquid and salt will be required as well).

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