Bahamas

Warm up with the comforting flavors of the Bahamas with this hearty Peas and Dumpling Soup. This traditional dish combines tender pigeon peas in a flavorful broth, enriched with aromatic herbs and spices. The soft dumplings add a delightful texture to this nourishing soup, making it a perfect choice for a cozy and satisfying meal.

PEAS AND DUMPLING SOUP

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Peas and Dumpling Soup:

• 2 cups dried pigeon peas, soaked overnight
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Drain and rinse the soaked pigeon peas. In a large pot, combine the pigeon peas, coconut milk, chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.

2) Add water to cover the peas by about 2 inches. If using, add the whole scotch bonnet pepper for flavor (it will be removed later).

3) Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.

4) In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water and mix until a soft dough forms.

5) Pinch off pieces of dough and shape them into small dumplings.

6) About 15 minutes before serving, remove the scotch bonnet pepper from the pea mixture if used. Drop the dumplings into the simmering peas, cover, and let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through and the peas have thickened into a soup-like consistency.

7) Serve the Peas and Dumpling Soup hot and savor the heartwarming flavors of the Bahamas!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 9g

Carbohydrates: 60g

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 8g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 920mg

DURATION : 2 hours (including soaking time)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

Pair the Peas and Dumpling Soup with a side of crusty bread or Johnny Cake for a satisfying meal. Adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of scotch bonnet pepper used.

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Experience the delightful flavors of the Bahamas with this aromatic Coconut Bread. Made with grated coconut and warm spices, this sweet and moist bread is a beloved treat on the islands. Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, and let the tropical essence of coconut transport you to the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas.

COCONUT BREAD

DIFFICULTY: EASY

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Coconut Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or dried)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, grated coconut, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.

3) In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, coconut milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4) Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

5) Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

6) Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7) Allow the Coconut Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

8) Slice and serve the Coconut Bread as a delicious tropical treat.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Calories: 280 kcal

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 13g

Protein: 4g

Sugar: 18g

Sodium: 250mg

DURATION : 1 hour (including baking time)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

Serve the Coconut Bread warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese. For an extra burst of coconut flavor, sprinkle some additional grated coconut on top before baking.

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Indulge in the luxurious flavors of the Bahamas with this exquisite Lobster Bisque. Made with succulent lobster meat and a rich, creamy base, this velvety soup is a true culinary delight. The delicate balance of flavors and the warmth of the Bahamas come together in every spoonful, making this bisque a perfect choice for special occasions and elegant gatherings.

LOBSTER BISQUE

DIFFICULTY: MODERATE

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Lobster Bisque:

• 2 lobsters (about 1 1/2 lbs each)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups fish or seafood broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp brandy or cognac (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Prepare the lobsters by boiling or steaming them until fully cooked. Remove the meat from the shells and set aside. Save the shells and any liquid.

2) In a large pot, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.

3) Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for a few minutes until the mixture is fragrant.

4) Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to form a roux. Cook for a couple of minutes until the roux is lightly browned.

5) Deglaze the pot with the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

6) Add the fish or seafood broth, reserved lobster shells and liquid, bay leaf, paprika, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes to develop the flavors.

7) Remove and discard the lobster shells and bay leaf. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender to puree until smooth.

8) Return the bisque to the pot and add the heavy cream, chopped parsley, and brandy or cognac (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

9) Gently fold in the cooked lobster meat and let the bisque simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to heat the lobster.

10) Serve the Lobster Bisque hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley and a touch of paprika if desired.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Calories: 380 kcal

Protein: 15g

Carbohydrates: 17g

Fat: 26g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 960mg

DURATION : 1 hour (including cooking time)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

For a more pronounced lobster flavor, you can infuse the fish or seafood broth with the lobster shells and trimmings before using it in the bisque. Serve the Lobster Bisque with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete dining experience.

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Indulge in the sweet flavors of the Bahamas with this delectable Pineapple Upside Down Cake recipe. This classic dessert features caramelized pineapple slices and cherries topping a moist and tender cake. Baked to perfection, this Pineapple Upside Down Cake captures the essence of tropical delights and is a delightful treat for any occasion.

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

DIFFICULTY: INTERMEDIATE

GALLERY                                                                                                                                                                  

INGREDIENTS                                                                                                                                                       

Number of servings: 4 Persons

For the Pineapple Upside Down Cake:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 can pineapple slices, drained
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and pitted
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup whole milk

INSTRUCTIONS                                                                                                                                                     

1) Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.

2) In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until well combined and caramelized.

3) Pour the caramelized mixture into the greased cake pan.

4) Arrange the pineapple slices and maraschino cherries over the caramel.

5) In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

6) In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until creamy.

7) Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet ingredients, alternating between the two and mixing until smooth.

8) Carefully pour the batter over the pineapple and cherries in the cake pan.

9) Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

10) Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate.

11) Serve the Pineapple Upside Down Cake warm or at room temperature, savoring the tropical flavors of the Bahamas.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving)                                                                                       

Calories: 380 kcal

Protein: 4g

Carbohydrates: 63g

Fat: 13g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 180mg

DURATION : 1 hour                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

TRICK & TIP                                                                                                                                                           

Before serving, you can drizzle the cake with a little warm caramel sauce and top it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect dessert experience.

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