18 Jamaica National Dish Recipe You Must Try Them!
Published on: Apr 2, 2024
Jamaican cuisine is known for its diverse and flavorful dishes, but there is one dish that stands out as the national favorite - jerk chicken. This iconic dish has become synonymous with Jamaica and is a must-try for anyone visiting the island. The perfect mix of spicy and savory flavors, jerk chicken is a staple on any Jamaican menu and is loved by locals and tourists alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and ingredients of this beloved dish and provide a step-by-step recipe for you to recreate it at home.
Main Ingredients: Salt Cod, Canola Oil, Fresh Thyme Leaves, Garlic, Large
Ackee and Saltfish is a traditional Jamaican dish that combines the savory flavors of saltfish with the unique taste of ackee. This recipe takes a twist on the classic by incorporating beer can chicken. The beer adds a subtle depth of flavor to the dish while keeping the chicken moist and tender. Serve with rice and peas for a complete Jamaican feast.
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Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish
Main Ingredients: Bacon Slices, Codfish, Vegetable Oil, Minced Garlic
This recipe takes the classic Jamaican dish to new heights by combining it with beer can chicken. The ackee and saltfish are cooked alongside the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together. The result is a deliciously savory and tangy dish that will have your taste buds dancing. Serve with fried plantains for a true taste of Jamaica.
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Vegan Jamaican Ackee Patties
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Coconut Oil, Cold Water
For all the vegans out there, this recipe has got you covered. These Jamaican ackee patties are made with a flavorful filling of ackee, veggies, and spices, and are encased in a flaky pastry crust. The addition of beer can chicken adds a juicy and savory element to these delicious patties. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of vegan coleslaw.
These Jamaican ackee patties are a delicious twist on the traditional Jamaican patty. The pastry is filled with a savory mixture of ackee, saltfish, and aromatic spices. The beer can chicken is incorporated into the filling, adding a tender and juicy element to the patties. Serve as a snack or as part of a Jamaican-inspired meal.
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Vegan Jamaican Ackee & Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Medium Tomato, Garlic
No Jamaican meal is complete without a side of dumplings. This recipe takes the classic Jamaican dish of ackee and saltfish and adds a vegan twist by incorporating beer can chicken and dumplings. The beer keeps the chicken moist and tender, while the dumplings add a hearty and satisfying element to the dish. Serve with a side of callaloo or steamed vegetables.
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Vegan Ackee and Saltfish (Jamaican Breakfast Feast)
Main Ingredients: Hearts Of Palm, Filtered Water, Sea Salt, Kelp, Ackee
This dish is a hearty and flavorful breakfast option that combines the classic Jamaican breakfast of ackee and saltfish with beer can chicken. The chicken is cooked alongside the ackee and saltfish, infusing it with a delicious umami flavor. Serve with fried plantains, boiled green bananas, and a side of Jamaican-style cornmeal porridge for the ultimate Jamaican breakfast feast.
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Vegan Ackee (Gluten Free)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Spring Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Coconut Oil
This recipe takes the traditional Jamaican dish of ackee and saltfish and gives it a gluten-free and vegan spin. The beer can chicken adds a rich and flavorful element to the dish, while the ackee and veggies provide a healthy and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of gluten-free rice for a complete and delicious meal.
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Chai Spiced Ackee Sandwich Cookies (“Bougie” Ackee...
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Spice Mix, Salt, Ackee
For a unique and decadent take on beer can chicken, try this recipe for chai spiced ackee sandwich cookies. The beer can chicken is mixed with chai spices and sandwiched between two layers of ackee cookies. The result is a luxurious and indulgent treat that will have you coming back for more.
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Ackee Colada
Main Ingredients: Ackee, Granulated Sugar, Water, Coconut Cream, White
Cool off on a hot summer day with an ackee colada – a Jamaican twist on the classic pina colada. This recipe combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with the unique taste of ackee. The addition of beer can chicken adds a savory element to the drink, making it a refreshing and satisfying beverage.
Ackee and saltfish and beer can chicken come together in this delicious recipe for Jamaican patties. The pastry is filled with a mixture of ackee, saltfish, and beer can chicken, creating a flavorful and hearty snack. Serve as an appetizer or as part of a Jamaican-inspired meal.
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Ackee Stir Fry
Main Ingredients: Root Ginger, Garlic, Chilli Pepper, Red Pepper, Soy
Take your stir fry game to the next level with this recipe for ackee stir fry. The beer can chicken adds a rich and savory element to the dish, while the veggies and ackee provide a healthy and colorful addition. Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Ackee Basil Pesto
Main Ingredients: Basil, Ackee, Sunflower Seeds, Garlic, Oil, Lemon
This recipe takes the classic Italian pesto and gives it a Jamaican twist by incorporating ackee and beer can chicken. The result is a deliciously creamy and flavorful sauce that can be used as a topping for pasta, as a dip for veggies, or as a spread for sandwiches. The possibilities are endless.
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Fluffy Ackee Biscuits
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
These fluffy ackee biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The beer can chicken adds a delicate and savory flavor to the biscuits, making them a unique and delicious addition to your table. Serve with butter and jam for a delightful snack or as a side dish to your favorite Jamaican-inspired meal.
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Spinach Ackee Dip
Main Ingredients: Small White Beans, Water, Baking Soda, Ackee, Garlic
Take your dip game to the next level with this recipe for spinach ackee dip. The beer can chicken adds a delicious and savory element to the dip, while the spinach and ackee provide a healthy and colorful twist. Serve with tortilla chips or veggies for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Fresh Ackee Pasta
Main Ingredients: Ackee, All Purpose Flour, Spinach, Parmesan Cheese
This recipe combines the flavors of Italy and Jamaica by incorporating ackee and beer can chicken into a delicious pasta dish. The beer keeps the chicken moist and tender, while the ackee adds a unique and delicious element to the dish. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Easy Ackee Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Ackee, Sugar, Egg, Vanilla Extract, Lemon
This recipe may sound unconventional, but trust us – it's a must-try. The beer can chicken adds a delicious and savory element to the cheesecake, while the ackee provides a sweet and creamy twist. The result is a decadent and delicious dessert that will have your taste buds singing.
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Ackee Bread Pudding
Main Ingredients: Bread, Milk, Ackee, Eggs, Cane Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Take your bread pudding to the next level with this recipe for ackee bread pudding. The beer can chicken adds a savory and moist element to the dish, while the ackee and spices provide a flavorful and unique twist. Serve warm with a drizzle of rum sauce for a decadent and delicious dessert.
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Ackee Carrot Cake
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Ackee, Cane Sugar
For a healthy and delicious twist on carrot cake, try this recipe that incorporates ackee and beer can chicken into the batter. The beer keeps the cake moist and flavorful, while the ackee adds a sweet and creamy element. Top with cream cheese frosting for a delightful and unique dessert.
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Easy Ackee Muffins
Main Ingredients: Ackee, Granulated White Sugar, Egg, Oil, All Purpose
These easy ackee muffins are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or snack. The beer can chicken adds a moist and savory element to the muffins, while the ackee provides a delicious and healthy twist. Make a batch and freeze for a quick and satisfying breakfast option.
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Ackee Ranch Dressing
Main Ingredients: Mayo, Unsweetened Soymilk, Vinegar, Salt, Garlic
This recipe takes your typical ranch dressing to the next level by incorporating ackee and beer can chicken. The result is a flavorful and creamy dressing that is perfect for salads, dipping veggies, or as a topping for your favorite sandwich or wrap. The possibilities are endless with this delicious dressing.
The Origins of Jerk Chicken
Jerk chicken has a rich history that dates back to the indigenous Taino people of Jamaica. The word "jerk" comes from the Spanish word "charqui," which referred to the way the Taino people preserved meat by drying and smoking it over a fire. This method was then adapted by African slaves who introduced their own blend of spices and herbs, creating the flavorful marinade that is now used in jerk chicken.
The Ingredients
Jerk seasoning is the key component of this dish and is what gives it its distinct flavor. The traditional jerk seasoning includes a combination of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients are blended together to create a paste that is then rubbed onto the chicken, allowing the flavors to seep into the meat.
Chicken is the main protein used in jerk chicken. Traditionally, the whole chicken is used, but you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a quicker and easier cooking process.
The Cooking Process
The traditional way to cook jerk chicken is over an open flame, using pimento wood to add a smoky flavor. However, this can also be done on a grill or in the oven. To achieve the authentic smoky taste, you can add some pimento wood chips to your grill or oven.
The chicken is marinated in the jerk seasoning for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse. Then, it is cooked over medium-high heat until it is tender and slightly charred on the outside. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin.
Recreating Jerk Chicken at Home
Now that you know the history and ingredients of jerk chicken, it's time to try making it at home! Here is a simple recipe that you can follow:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup jerk seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
1. In a bowl, mix together the jerk seasoning, olive oil, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
2. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
4. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
5. If using a grill, add pimento wood chips for a smoky flavor.
6. Cook the chicken for 20-25 minutes on each side, until it is fully cooked and slightly charred.
7. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy your homemade Jamaican jerk chicken!
In conclusion, jerk chicken is more than just a dish - it is a representation of the rich history and culture of Jamaica. Its bold and flavorful taste is what makes it a beloved national dish and a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of Jamaica. So why not try making it at home and bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen?
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