Welcome to a culinary journey through the sun-soaked shores of Antigua, where the rhythm of the Caribbean waves sets the tone for a feast that celebrates the bounty of the sea. In this recipe, we dive into the heart of Antiguan cuisine to unravel the secrets behind a beloved island delicacy—Conch. Known for its tender texture and subtle sea-sweet flavor, Antiguan Conch is a dish that encapsulates the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean.

Join us as we embark on a gastronomic adventure, discovering the art of preparing and savoring this timeless Antiguan Conch delight. Get ready to bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen!

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Antiguan Conch:

Antiguan Conch Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh conch, cleaned and diced
• 1 cup bell peppers, finely chopped (assorted colors)
• 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2-3 limes, juiced
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Conch: Clean the conch thoroughly and dice it into small, bite-sized pieces.

Marinate the Conch: In a bowl, combine the diced conch with lime and orange juice. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. The acidity of the citrus juices helps tenderize the conch.

Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the marinated conch with chopped bell peppers, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro.

Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the mix. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference, keeping in mind that scotch bonnet can be quite hot.

Season to Taste: Season the salad with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Chill and Serve: Allow the conch salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together.

Serve in Style: When ready to serve, you can present the conch salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing touch.

Enjoy this Antiguan Conch Salad as a delightful appetizer or a light, tropical meal. The combination of fresh ingredients and zesty flavors will transport you to the shores of Antigua!

Nutritional Values:

the approximate nutritional values for the key ingredients

Per 100g of Common Ingredients:

Conch:

• Calories: Approximately 70
• Protein: About 17g
• Fat: Less than 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Conch is a lean protein source, rich in vitamin B12, iron, and selenium. It provides essential nutrients for maintaining energy levels and supporting the immune system.

Bell Peppers (mixed colors):

• Calories: Around 31
• Protein: About 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 2.5g

benefits: Bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C, acting as antioxidants that support skin health and boost the immune system. They also contain fiber, aiding in digestion.

Red Onion:

• Calories: Approximately 40
• Protein: About 1.1g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 9.3g
• Fiber: 1.7g

benefits: Red onions provide flavor without many calories. They contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall health.

Tomatoes:

• Calories: About 18
• Protein: About 1g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Fiber: 1.2g

benefits: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as potassium. The antioxidant lycopene in tomatoes has been linked to various health benefits, including heart health.

Cucumber:

• Calories: Around 16
• Protein: About 0.7g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits: Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, aiding in hydration. They also provide vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K.

Cilantro:

• Calories: Approximately 23
• Protein: About 2.1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 3.7g
• Fiber: 2.1g

benefits: Cilantro is low in calories and adds a burst of fresh flavor. It contains small amounts of vitamins A and K and may have antioxidant properties.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors like the specific variety of the ingredient and its preparation. Always check the nutritional information on packaging for more accurate details.