Transport your taste buds to the vibrant shores of Grenada with our tantalizing Callaloo dish. Bursting with Caribbean flavors, this traditional delicacy features tender dasheen leaves simmered with aromatic herbs, succulent crab or salted meat, and a hint of fiery Scotch bonnet pepper. Served alongside fluffy coconut rice or hearty breadfruit, our Grenadian Callaloo is a savory symphony that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the Spice Isle. Indulge in a taste of paradise with every spoonful of this wholesome and comforting masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dasheen leaves (also known as taro leaves), cleaned and chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 pound crab meat or salted meat (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions:
1- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2- If using crab meat or salted meat, add it to the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to release its flavors.
3- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, ground turmeric, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
4- Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5- Add the chopped dasheen leaves to the pot. If using a Scotch bonnet pepper for heat, you can add it whole to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and let the Callaloo simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the dasheen leaves are tender.
6- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you added a Scotch bonnet pepper, remove it from the pot before serving.
7- Serve hot as a hearty soup or stew, alongside rice, breadfruit, or crusty bread. Enjoy the rich flavors of Grenada in every spoonful of this comforting Callaloo dish!
Nutritional Values:
Here are approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in Grenada Callaloo, based on common serving sizes and average nutrient composition:
Dasheen leaves (1 pound):
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 6g
benefits:Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They promote digestive health, boost immunity, and support healthy bones and skin.
Onion (1 medium):
- Calories: 44
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
benefits:High in antioxidants and flavonoids, onions have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They may help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar, and improve heart health.
Garlic (2 cloves):
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and contains compounds that may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Bell pepper (1 medium):
- Calories: 25
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 2g
benefits:A great source of vitamin C, bell peppers support immune function and collagen production. They also provide antioxidants like beta-carotene, which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Tomato (2 medium):
- Calories: 44
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 4g
benefits:Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect against certain types of cancer and promotes heart health. They also contain vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and folate.
Coconut milk (1 cup):
- Calories: 445
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
benefits:Provides healthy fats called medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily metabolized for energy. Coconut milk also contains lauric acid, a fatty acid with antimicrobial properties, and is a good source of manganese, copper, and iron.
Vegetable or chicken broth (2 cups):
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Broth is hydrating and provides essential nutrients like electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. It's low in calories and can support digestion and gut health.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 14g
benefits:Contains healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and brain function. It also provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
Ground turmeric (1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
benefits:Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric may help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and support joint health.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Cumin is a good source of iron and may help improve digestion by stimulating enzyme secretion. It also contains antioxidants and has antimicrobial properties.
Paprika (1 teaspoon):
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
benefits:Paprika contains capsaicin, a compound that may boost metabolism and promote weight loss. It's also rich in vitamin A, which supports vision health, and antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Crab meat (1 pound):
- Calories: 175
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
benefits:Low in fat and calories but high in protein, crab meat provides essential nutrients like selenium, zinc, and vitamin B12. It supports muscle growth and repair, immune function, and brain health.
These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brand of ingredients used and any variations in the cooking process.
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