A taste of Jamaica: Curried Goat and Blue Draws

Food Facts

National Cuisine: unique fusion of British, Asian and African styles modified
Staples: Sweet potato, bananas, rice chicken, goat, sea food & exotic fruit
Taste: Curry hot, sweet savoury foods, and fatty and salty

Jamaica food is said to be a reflection of the “people who came.” In 1665, the British bought with them recipes such as custard and dumplings to Jamaica. Then Indian and Chinese immigrants influenced the national cuisine with rice and the legendary curried goat.

The largest legacy of all has been the pre-dominant African influence, principally in the use of ackee, yams dasheen and other delectables such as duckanoo or blue draws. These dishes are said to be valued for their taste and economy.
Many Jamaican’s cook outside over an open fire. Ackee and saltfish, along with rice and peas is the best known traditional Jamaican dish. Other local foods include pepper-pot soup, banana fritters and jerk meat (barbecued chicken or pork). Drinks include coconut juice, blue mountain coffee and rum.

Try a taste of two of Jamaica most famous dishes.

Recipe for Curried Goat
serves 8

Ingredients
1 cup of curry powder
4 pounds of goat meat including bones
1 pound of diced potatoes
½ cup of chopped ginger
2 diced onions
1 diced carrot
2 diced yomatoes
3 sprigs of thyme
3 chopped peppers
1 bunch of diced scallions
½ cup of chopped garlic
¾ chicken stock
Salt and pepper

Method
Combine the curry, thyme, onions, scallions, salt & pepper for the marinade, and marinate the goat meat the night before.

Remove meat from marinade and reserve the leftover marinade.

In hot braising pan, brown the goat meat and garlic. Add carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, ginger and reserved marinade. Add stock and stew for 1 hour.

Serve with white boiled rice.
Recipe for Blue Draws
serves 8

Ingredients
3 cups of grated Bananas
1 cup of grated Coconut
2 cups of grated Sweet Potatoes
1 cup of Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Mixed Spice
2 cups of Coconut Milk
1½ cups Brown Sugar

Method
Mix all ingredients together. Place some of the mixture into quailed banana leaves. Wrap & tie with string. Put parcel into boiling water and cook for 1 hour.