Welcome to the vibrant world of Bahamian cuisine, where flavors dance like the turquoise waters that surround this beautiful archipelago. In this culinary adventure, we're diving deep into the heart of Bahamian culture to explore a fiery and delicious recipe known as the "Bahamian Fire Engine." This dish is a celebration of bold flavors, reflecting the warm and lively spirit of the Bahamas.

Inspired by the rich heritage and diverse influences that shape Bahamian cooking, the Bahamian Fire Engine recipe promises to ignite your taste buds with a harmonious blend of spices and local ingredients. So, fasten your seatbelt as we embark on a flavorful journey, uncovering the secrets behind this fiery delight that has become a staple in Bahamian kitchens. Get ready to experience the heat, the zest, and the irresistible charm of Bahamian Fire Engine – a true reflection of the Bahamas' culinary passion.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints, tips discarded
• 1 cup hot pepper sauce (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken Wings:In a large bowl, combine hot pepper sauce, melted butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, chopped thyme, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the fiery marinade.

Prepping the Chicken Wings:Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres well. Place the wings in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish.

Marination:Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken wings, making sure each wing is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to meld.

Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Baking the Wings:

1-Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on the baking sheet. Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the rack, leaving space between each piece.

2-Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the wings are golden and crispy, turning them halfway through.

Garnish and Serve:Once cooked, transfer the wings to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra citrus kick.

Enjoy the Heat:Dive into the bold and spicy flavors of Bahamian Fire Engine! Pair it with a cooling dip or some crisp celery sticks for a complete experience.

This Bahamian Fire Engine recipe is a taste explosion that captures the essence of the Bahamas' culinary spirit. Get ready to savor the heat and indulge in the fiery delight of these spicy chicken wings!

Nutritional Values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and types of ingredients used. The following values are approximate and based on standard serving sizes:

Nutritional Values per Serving (Assuming 4 servings):

Chicken Wings (2 lbs):

• Calories: 1140
• Protein: 94g
• Total Fat: 80g
• Saturated Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Chicken wings are rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Hot Pepper Sauce (1 cup):

• Calories: 50
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: The capsaicin in hot peppers may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss.

Unsalted Butter, melted (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 813
• Protein: 1g
• Total Fat: 92g
• Saturated Fat: 58g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Butter contains these fat-soluble vitamins, important for immune function and bone health.

Soy Sauce (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 2g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Soy sauce contributes protein and essential amino acids to the dish.

Fresh Lime Juice (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g

benefit: Lime juice is high in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and promoting skin health.

Garlic, minced (3 cloves):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Garlic contains antioxidants that may help protect the body against oxidative stress.

Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 21g

benefit: Brown sugar provides a quick source of energy due to its simple carbohydrates.

Fresh Thyme, chopped (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Thyme is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting overall health.

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Paprika contains vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.

Onion Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefit: Onion powder adds flavor and provides nutrients like vitamin C and fiber.

Salt and Pepper to taste:

• Nutritional values for salt and pepper are negligible as they are used in small amounts.

benefit: These enhance the taste of the dish, although consumed in small amounts.

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley for garnish:

• Nutritional values for herbs are minimal and can be ignored for this calculation.

benefit: Cilantro and parsley add freshness and contribute antioxidants to the meal.

Lime Wedges for serving:

• Nutritional values for lime wedges are minimal and can be ignored for this calculation.

benefit: Lime wedges add a burst of citrus flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact quantities used. It's always recommended to check nutritional information on specific product labels for accuracy.