Barbados Black Pudding and Souse, also known simply as "Pudding and Souse," is a beloved traditional dish from Barbados, combining savory black pudding with tangy pickled pork, vegetables, and spices. This dish, cherished by generations, is a cultural staple in Barbadian cuisine and is often enjoyed during breakfast or brunch, as well as at family gatherings and festivals. The black pudding, a type of sausage made from pig's blood, cornmeal, onions, and a blend of spices, is paired with souse, a pickled pork dish typically made from pork trotters or pig's head. The tangy flavor of the souse, resulting from its pickling in vinegar, lime juice, and seasonings, complements the savory black pudding perfectly. Rich in flavor and steeped in history, Barbados Black Pudding and Souse showcases the vibrant culinary traditions of Barbados.

Note: This dish is not suitable for those following Islamic dietary laws due to the use of pig's blood and pork.

To make Barbados Black Pudding and Souse, you will need the following

ingredients:

For the Black Pudding:

1- 2 cups pig's blood

2- 2 cups cornmeal

3- 2 onions, finely chopped

4- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme

5- 1 tablespoon salt

6- 1 teaspoon black pepper

7- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

8- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

9- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

10- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Souse:

1- 2 lbs pork trotters or pig's head

2- 1 onion, sliced

3- 2 cloves garlic, minced

4- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

5- 1 tablespoon salt

6- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

7- 1/4 cup white vinegar

8- 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice

9- 2 cups water

10- 1 cucumber, sliced

11- 1 green bell pepper, sliced

12- 1 hot pepper, sliced

Method:

1- To make the black pudding, combine the pig's blood, cornmeal, onion, thyme, salt, black pepper, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

2- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the black pudding mixture to the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly.

3- Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the black pudding for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and has a firm texture.

4- While the black pudding is cooking, prepare the souse. Rinse the pork trotters or pig's head thoroughly under cold running water. Place the meat in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.

5- Remove the meat from the pot and allow it to cool. Once it has cooled, remove the skin, fat, and bones from the meat and discard.

6- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onion, minced garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, white vinegar, and lime or lemon juice. Mix well.

9- Add the sliced cucumber, green bell pepper, and hot pepper to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.

10- Add the cooked pork meat to the mixing bowl and stir to fully coat the meat and vegetables with the pickling mixture.

11- To serve, slice the black pudding into rounds and place on a plate. Top with a generous portion of the pickled pork souse.

Notes:

1- Barbados Black Pudding and Souse is typically served as a breakfast or brunch dish.

2- Adjust the amount of hot pepper to your personal preference, as it can be quite spicy.

3- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Value:

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 390
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Sodium: 2470mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Vitamin A: 4%
• Vitamin C: 28%
• Calcium: 5%
• Iron: 20%

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in Black Pudding and Souse:

For the Black Pudding:

1. 2 cups pig's blood

- Calories: Approximately 350

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 72g

- Fat: 1g

- Sodium: 200mg

- Cholesterol: 600mg

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin B12, riboflavin

- Minerals: High in iron, zinc

- Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein and iron, supports red blood cell production and immune function

2. 2 cups cornmeal

- Calories: Approximately 880

- Carbohydrates: 184g

- Protein: 20g

- Fat: 10g

- Sodium: 20mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins such as niacin, thiamin

- Minerals: Provides iron, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Good source of complex carbohydrates, provides energy and dietary fiber

3. 2 onions, finely chopped

- Calories: Approximately 92

- Carbohydrates: 22g

- Protein: 2g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 6mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: High in vitamin C, folate

- Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant properties, supports immune health and digestion

4. 2 teaspoons fresh thyme

- Calories: Approximately 4

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A

- Minerals: Contains iron, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supports immune function

5. 1 tablespoon salt

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 7000mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for fluid balance, nerve function, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid high blood pressure

6. 1 teaspoon black pepper

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1.4g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin K

- Minerals: Contains iron, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances nutrient absorption, has anti-inflammatory properties

7. 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

- Calories: 3

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin K

- Minerals: Provides manganese, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant properties, supports digestion and oral health

8. 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

- Calories: 3

- Carbohydrates: 0.7g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin A

- Minerals: Provides calcium, iron

- Nutritional Benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties, aids in digestion

9. 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- Calories: 3

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0.1g

- Fat: 0.02g

- Sodium: 0.3mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin K

- Minerals: Provides calcium, iron

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant properties, helps regulate blood sugar levels

10. 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- Calories: 240

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 28g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids, supports heart health when used in moderation

For the Souse:

1. 2 lbs pork trotters or pig's head

- Calories: Approximately 1200

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 200g

- Fat: 40g

- Sodium: 1000mg

- Cholesterol: 800mg

- Vitamins: Contains B vitamins such as B6, B12

- Minerals: High in collagen, iron

- Nutritional Benefit: Rich source of protein and collagen, supports joint health and skin elasticity

2. 1 onion, sliced

- Calories: 46

- Carbohydrates: 10g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 3mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: High in vitamin C, folate

- Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant properties, supports immune health and digestion

3. 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Calories: 9

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0.4g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, B6

- Minerals: Provides manganese, selenium

- Nutritional Benefit: Antimicrobial properties, supports immune function and heart health

4. 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

- Calories: 5

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A

- Minerals: Contains iron, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supports immune function

5. 1 tablespoon salt

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 7000mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but should be consumed in moderation to avoid high blood pressure

6. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1.4g

- Protein: 0.2g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of vitamin K

- Minerals: Contains iron, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances nutrient absorption, has anti-inflammatory properties

7. 1/4 cup white vinegar

- Calories: 12

- Carbohydrates: 0.4g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Aids in digestion, has antimicrobial properties

8. 1/4 cup lime or lemon juice

- Calories: 15

- Carbohydrates: 5g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: High in vitamin C

- Minerals: Contains potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant properties, supports immune health and aids in digestion

9. 2 cups water

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for hydration and bodily functions

10. 1 cucumber, sliced

- Calories: 16

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Protein: 0.7g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains vitamin K, vitamin C

- Minerals: Provides potassium, magnesium

- Nutritional Benefit: Hydrating, supports skin health and digestion

11. 1 green bell pepper, sliced

- Calories: 24

- Carbohydrates: 6g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0.2g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin A

- Minerals: Contains potassium, manganese

- Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant properties, supports immune function and vision

12. 1 hot pepper, sliced

- Calories: 18

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Protein: 0.8g

- Fat: 0.2g

- Sodium: 2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: High in vitamin C, vitamin A

- Minerals: Contains potassium

- Nutritional Benefit: Metabolism-boosting properties, supports immune health

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the portion sizes. It is also worth noting that the dish is relatively high in sodium, so individuals who are watching their sodium intake may want to consume it in moderation. Overall, Barbados Black Pudding and Souse is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.