Welcome to the rich and diverse world of Belizean cuisine, where vibrant cultures converge to create a tapestry of mouthwatering dishes. In the heart of this culinary adventure lies the tantalizing Belize Chimole, a traditional recipe that captures the essence of the nation's unique gastronomic heritage.

Chimole, also known as Black Dinner or Black Recado, is a savory, aromatic stew that traces its roots to the Mayan and Mestizo communities of Belize. This hearty dish is a celebration of local ingredients, bold spices, and a slow-cooked perfection that delivers a symphony of flavors to your taste buds.

Join us on this culinary journey as we unravel the secrets behind Belize Chimole, exploring the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance that make it a beloved staple in Belizean households. Get ready to embark on a culinary expedition that transcends borders and brings the authentic taste of Belize to your kitchen. Let's dive into the enchanting world of Belize Chimole and discover the art of creating a meal that not only satiates hunger but also nourishes the soul.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced (preferably a mix of colors)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup chopped pumpkin or butternut squash
• 1 cup chopped chayote (vegetable pear)
• 1 cup chopped okra
• 2 cups black recado (spice paste)
• 1 tablespoon annatto seeds (achiote seeds)
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups chicken broth or water
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions:

Prepare the Black Recado:In a small bowl, mix the black recado (spice paste) with achiote seeds, cumin powder, coriander powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Brown the Chicken:In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics:In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add diced tomatoes and bell peppers, cooking until the vegetables are tender.

Add Black Recado Mixture:Stir in the prepared black recado mixture, ensuring it coats the vegetables evenly. Cook for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.

Combine Chicken and Vegetables:Return the browned chicken to the pot, coating it with the spice mixture. Add chopped carrots, pumpkin, chayote, and okra.

Pour in Broth:Pour in the chicken broth or water, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

Simmer Until Tender:Cover the pot and let the Chimole simmer over low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together.

Serve:Ladle the Belize Chimole over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Enjoy this Belizean culinary masterpiece that brings together the soul-warming richness of a black soup with the vibrant spices and flavors unique to the region.

Nutritional Values

Providing precise nutritional values for a recipe can be challenging due to variations in ingredient sizes, brands, and preparation methods. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for some of the key ingredients. Keep in mind that these are general estimates and may vary based on specific products and preparation choices.

Approximate Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Assuming 6 Servings):

Chicken:

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits:

• Rich source of protein for muscle health.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and zinc.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• No significant protein or carbohydrates

benefits:

• Contains healthy fats that support heart health.
• Acts as a source of energy for the body.

Vegetables (Onions, Garlic, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Carrots, Pumpkin, Chayote, Okra):

• Calories: 150-200 kcal
• Protein: 5-10g
• Fat: 1-2g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 8-12g

benefits:

Onions:

• Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supports immune system health.

Garlic:

• Known for its antimicrobial properties.
• May help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Tomatoes:

• Excellent source of vitamins A and C.
• Contains antioxidants such as lycopene.

Bell Peppers:

• Rich in vitamin C, promoting skin health and immune function.
• Provides antioxidants that may support eye health.

Carrots:

• High in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A.
• Supports eye health and immune function.

Pumpkin:

• Contains fiber, aiding digestion.
• Rich in vitamins A and C.

Chayote (Vegetable Pear):

• Low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber.
• Provides vitamins and minerals, including folate and potassium.

Okra:

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Contains soluble fiber, promoting digestive health.

Black Recado (2 cups):

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g

benefits:

• Blend of spices may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds depth of flavor and traditional essence to the dish.

Annatto Seeds (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Adds color to the dish.

Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Oregano, Thyme, Salt, Pepper):

• Minimal caloric contribution

benefits:

Cumin Powder:

• Known for digestive benefits and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds warm, earthy flavor.

Coriander Powder:

• Rich in antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.
• Adds citrusy, slightly sweet flavor.

Dried Oregano:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Adds a robust, savory flavor.

Thyme:

• Contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and iron.
• Adds a fragrant, earthy flavor.

Chicken Broth (6 cups):

• Calories: 30-40 kcal
• Protein: 6-8g
• Fat: 0-2g
• Carbohydrates: 2-4g

benefits:

• Hydrating and provides electrolytes.
• May contain essential amino acids from chicken.

Fresh Cilantro:

• Minimal caloric contribution

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds freshness and a burst of flavor.

Cooked White Rice:

• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Protein: 4-5g
• Fat: 0-1g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g

benefits:

• Good source of energy-providing carbohydrates.
• Easy to digest and complements the flavors of the dish.

Total Estimated Calories per Serving: 800-1000 kcal

These values are rough estimates and may vary based on specific brands, measurements, and cooking methods. It's advisable to refer to specific product labels and consult with a nutritionist for more precise information based on your dietary needs.