Welcome to the tropical paradise of Barbados, where the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean meet the vibrant culinary traditions of the island. One culinary gem that captures the essence of Barbadian coastal living is the Sea Egg, a unique and flavorful delicacy that takes center stage in local cuisine. Also known as sea urchins, these spiky creatures hide a treasure trove of rich and succulent roe within their shells, offering a taste experience that is both exotic and unforgettable.

In this culinary adventure, we will guide you through the steps of preparing Barbados Sea Egg, unlocking the secrets to transforming these ocean gems into a mouthwatering dish that celebrates the freshness and bold flavors of the Caribbean. Get ready to indulge in a culinary journey that embraces the sea, the sun, and the unique flavors of Barbados.

Ingredients:

• Fresh Sea Eggs (Sea Urchins)
• Hot pepper sauce
• Lime wedges
• Salt (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Baguette slices or crackers (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sea Eggs: Handle the sea eggs with care, as they have spiky exteriors. Using a sturdy pair of gloves and a pair of kitchen shears, carefully cut an opening at the top of the sea egg, revealing the roe inside. Be cautious not to spill the precious contents.

Extract the Roe: Gently scoop out the vibrant orange or yellow roe from the sea egg using a spoon. Ensure you collect all the roe without leaving any behind.

Serve Raw: Traditionally, Barbados Sea Eggs are enjoyed raw. Arrange the freshly extracted roe on a plate.

Add Heat with Hot Pepper Sauce: Drizzle hot pepper sauce over the sea egg roe according to your spice preference. The heat of the pepper sauce complements the richness of the roe, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Squeeze Some Lime: Squeeze lime wedges over the sea egg roe to add a burst of citrusy freshness. Lime not only enhances the flavor but also helps cut through the richness of the roe.

Season to Taste: Optionally, season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Serve with Accompaniments: For a delightful pairing, serve the Barbados Sea Egg with slices of fresh baguette or crackers. The crunchy texture of the bread or crackers complements the creamy consistency of the sea egg roe.

Enjoy Immediately: Barbados Sea Egg is best enjoyed fresh, so savor the unique flavors and textures immediately after preparation.

Embark on a culinary journey to Barbados with this simple yet indulgent Sea Egg recipe. Let the bold flavors and freshness of the Caribbean sea elevate your dining experience.

Nutritional Values:

It's important to note that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of the ingredients used. However, I can provide you with general estimates for the nutritional content of these ingredients per typical serving:

Fresh Sea Eggs (Sea Urchins):

• Sea urchins are a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
• Per 100 grams:
• Calories: 62
• Protein: 15 g
• Total Fat: 0.6 g
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 350 mg
• Vitamin B12: 25 µg
• Iron: 2.8 mg

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.
• High in vitamin B12, essential for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells.
• Provides iron, vital for oxygen transport in the body.

Hot Pepper Sauce:

• The nutritional content can vary significantly, but hot pepper sauce is generally low in calories and provides a boost of capsaicin.

Per tablespoon (15 grams):

• Calories: 0-5
• Carbohydrates: 0-1 g
• Sodium: 150-300 mg

benefits:

• Capsaicin, found in hot peppers, may boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
• Contains antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lime Wedges:

• Limes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Per lime (about 67 grams):
• Calories: 20
• Vitamin C: 20 mg
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin C, supporting the immune system and skin health.
• Contains antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
• Aids digestion and may help in the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Salt (optional):

• The nutritional content of salt is primarily sodium.
• A pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) contains approximately 590 mg of sodium.

benefits:

• Sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.
• Helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle function.

Freshly Ground Black Pepper:

• Per teaspoon (2 grams):
• Calories: 5
• Total Fat: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption, particularly of curcumin from turmeric.
• Exhibits antioxidant properties.
• May have anti-inflammatory effects.

Baguette Slices or Crackers (optional, for serving):

• Nutritional values will depend on the specific type and brand.
• Per medium-sized baguette slice (about 30 grams):
• Calories: 80-100
• Total Fat: 0.5-1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16-18 g
• Protein: 2-3 g

benefits:

• Good source of carbohydrates, providing a quick energy boost.
• Depending on the type, may contain small amounts of fiber.
• Can be a source of minerals like iron and magnesium.

Please keep in mind that these are general estimates, and actual nutritional values can vary based on factors like portion size, specific product brands, and preparation methods.