Barbados Pickled Chicken Feet is a beloved Caribbean delicacy renowned for its vibrant flavors and cultural significance. Marinated in a tangy pickling solution, this dish offers a unique blend of spiciness and sweetness, enhanced by allspice, cumin, and paprika. Historically, pickled meats were a practical way to preserve food in tropical climates, reflecting Barbados' culinary heritage. Rich in collagen, chicken feet become tender during the pickling process, offering a nutritious dish prized for its taste and texture. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it promises to delight with every bite, making it a standout in Caribbean cuisine.

Ingredients:

1- 2 lbs chicken feet

2- 2 cups white vinegar

3- 1 cup water

4- 1 onion, sliced

5- 1 red bell pepper, sliced

6- 1 green bell pepper, sliced

7- 2 cloves garlic, minced

8- 2 tbsp sugar

9- 2 tbsp salt

10- 2 tbsp allspice

11- 2 tbsp black pepper

12- 1 tsp cumin

13- 1 tsp paprika

14- 1 tsp chili flakes

Instructions:

1- Clean the chicken feet thoroughly and remove any excess skin and nails. Rinse them under cold running water and pat them dry with paper towels.

2- In a large pot, combine the white vinegar, water, onion, red and green bell peppers, garlic, sugar, salt, allspice, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir well.

3- Add the chicken feet to the pot and make sure they are fully submerged in the pickling solution. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chicken feet are tender and fully cooked.

4- Once the chicken feet are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool to room temperature.

5- Transfer the chicken feet and the pickling solution to a large glass jar or container with a lid. Make sure the chicken feet are fully submerged in the pickling solution.

6- Cover the jar or container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

7- Serve the pickled chicken feet as a snack or appetizer. They are also great as a side dish or as part of a salad.

Notes:

1- This recipe makes about 4 servings.

2- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes and other spices to your liking.

3- The longer you marinate the chicken feet, the stronger the flavors will be.

Nutrition Value:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

1- Chicken Feet (2 lbs):

• Calories: 900
• Protein: 60g
• Fat: 70g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in collagen, which is good for skin, hair, and joint health.
• Contains protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health.

2- White Vinegar (2 cups):

• Calories: 48
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits:

• May help with weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing the glycemic index of foods.
• May help lower blood sugar levels.
• Contains acetic acid, which has antimicrobial properties and may help with wound healing and preventing infections.

3- Water (1 cup):

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

4- Onion, sliced (1 medium):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
• Contains prebiotic fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthy digestive system.
• May help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

5- Red Bell Pepper, sliced (1 medium):

• Calories: 46
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
• Rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
• May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

6- Green Bell Pepper, sliced (1 medium):

• Calories: 24
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
• Rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
• May help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

7- Garlic, minced (2 cloves):

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

benefits:

• Contains compounds like allicin, which have potent medicinal properties, including boosting the immune system and reducing blood pressure.
• Rich in antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• May improve cholesterol levels, which can lower the risk of heart disease.

8- Sugar (2 tbsp):

• Calories: 96
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 25g

9- Salt (2 tbsp):

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

10- Allspice (2 tbsp):

• Calories: 32
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits: Allspice contains eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

11- Black Pepper (2 tbsp):

• Calories: 32
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 0g

benefits: Black pepper contains piperine, which may improve digestion and increase the absorption of certain nutrients.

12- Cumin (1 tsp):

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

benefits: Cumin is a good source of iron, which is important for energy production and immune function.

13- Paprika (1 tsp):

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

benefits: Paprika contains capsaicin, which may help reduce appetite and increase fat burning.

14- Chili Flakes (1 tsp):

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

benefits: Chili flakes contain capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce appetite.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brand and preparation method.

Barbados Pickled Chicken Feet is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. It is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those who are watching their carb intake. Enjoy this tasty dish with friends and family, and savor the flavors of the Caribbean!