18 West Indian Black Cake Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
West Indian black cake is a beloved dessert that is steeped in tradition and has been passed down through generations. This rich and decadent cake is a staple at holiday celebrations such as Christmas and weddings in the Caribbean. It is a labor of love to make, with a lengthy list of ingredients and a slow baking process, but the end result is well worth the effort. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and ingredients of this unique cake, as well as provide a step-by-step recipe so you can recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen.
Indian Spiced Black-Eyed Peas with Tomato and Curry...
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Black Mustard Seeds, Sea
If you're looking for a delicious and unique twist on traditional beer can chicken, give this Indian Spiced Black-Eyed Peas with Tomato and Curry recipe a try. The combination of bold Indian flavors and tender, juicy chicken will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try this Indian Spiced Lentils recipe with your beer can chicken. The spices and aromatics in this dish perfectly complement the flavors of the chicken, making for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
This classic Indian dish is a must-try with your beer can chicken. The rich and creamy tomato-based sauce pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken. This recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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West Indian-Style Channa Wrap
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Onions, Garlic, Chile Pepper, Fresh
For a fun and flavorful twist on traditional beer can chicken, try this West Indian-Style Channa Wrap. The combination of tender chicken, spicy chickpeas, and cool and creamy yogurt sauce make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
This fragrant and creamy Indian Chicken Korma is the perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. The combination of spices and aromatics in the sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the chicken, making for a truly delicious meal.
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West Indian-Style Roti (Flatbread)
Main Ingredients: Self Rising Flour, Vegetable Oil, Warm Water, Melted
No beer can chicken meal is complete without some delicious roti on the side. This recipe for West Indian-Style Roti is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any Indian-inspired chicken dish.
If you're a seafood lover, then this Indian Shrimp Curry is a must-try with your beer can chicken. The spicy and flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the tender and juicy chicken. Plus, the dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick and delicious meal.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
This creamy and flavorful Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The combination of tender chickpeas and fragrant spices will have your taste buds singing with delight.
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West Indian Goat Curry--With Beef
Main Ingredients: Cilantro Stems, Onion, Peppers, Ginger, Fresh Thyme
If you're feeling adventurous, try this West Indian Goat Curry with your beer can chicken. The bold flavors of the goat meat and spices pair perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken, making for a truly unique and delicious meal.
For a classic and delicious pairing with your beer can chicken, try this Indian Chicken Curry recipe. The combination of tender chicken and fragrant spices in a rich and flavorful sauce will have you coming back for seconds.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
This rich and creamy Indian Dal Nirvana, also known as Dal Makhani, is the perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. The combination of lentils, spices, and aromatics makes for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Indian Curry Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Boneless Skinless Chicken, Onion
For a no-fuss and flavorful meal, try this Indian Curry Chicken recipe with your beer can chicken. The combination of spices and aromatics in the sauce add depth and complexity to the flavor of the chicken, making for a truly delicious meal.
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West Indian Chicken Curry With Cinnamon and Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Onions, Clove, Curry Powder, Canela, Sweet Potatoes
This West Indian Chicken Curry with Cinnamon and Tomatoes is a must-try with your beer can chicken. The subtle hint of cinnamon adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic dish, making for a truly memorable meal.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
This creamy and flavorful Indian Coconut Lentil Curry is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The combination of tender lentils and fragrant spices will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
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North Indian Chicken Curry
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Onions, Plain Yogurt, Cornstarch, Ginger
If you're looking for a bold and flavorful side dish for your beer can chicken, try this North Indian Chicken Curry recipe. The combination of spices and aromatics in the sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the chicken, making for a truly delicious meal.
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West Indian Curried Chicken
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Chicken, Onion, Garlic, Potatoes, Salt
This West Indian Curried Chicken is a must-try with your beer can chicken. The combination of flavors in the marinade adds a delicious and unique twist to the chicken, making for a truly unforgettable meal.
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Roti (Buttery Indian Flatbread)
Main Ingredients: Bread Flour, Salt, Melted Butter, Water, Butter
No Indian-inspired meal is complete without some delicious roti on the side. This recipe for Roti, or Indian flatbread, is easy to make and pairs perfectly with any beer can chicken dish.
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Indian Restaurant Madras Curry
Main Ingredients: Spice Mix, Madras Curry Powder, Chili Powder, Paprika
This Indian Restaurant Madras Curry is a must-try with your beer can chicken. The combination of spices and aromatics in the sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor of the chicken, making for a truly delicious and restaurant-quality meal.
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Crispy Indian Okra
Main Ingredients: Baby Okra, Fat, Cumin Seeds, Onion, Serrano Pepper
If you're looking for a delicious and unique side dish for your beer can chicken, try this Crispy Indian Okra recipe. The bold spices and crispy texture of the okra make for a great contrast to the tender chicken.
This Indian Fried Cabbage is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The combination of spices and aromatics in the dish adds depth and flavor to the cabbage, making it a delicious and well-rounded meal.
The History of West Indian Black Cake
Roots in British Fruitcake
Although it is called "black cake," this dessert actually has its roots in British fruitcake. When the British colonized the Caribbean, they brought their traditional fruitcake recipe with them. However, over time, the recipe evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, resulting in the dark, rich cake we know today. The use of rum and fruits such as prunes, raisins, and currants are influenced by the African and Indian cultures in the Caribbean.
A Symbol of Celebration
In the Caribbean, black cake is not only a delicious dessert, but it also holds cultural significance. It is often served at weddings and other special occasions as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. The dark color of the cake is said to represent the richness and sweetness of life, while the rum-soaked fruits symbolize the different stages of life.
The Ingredients of West Indian Black Cake
Dark Rum
One of the key ingredients in West Indian black cake is dark rum. This adds a rich and complex flavor to the cake, as well as helps to preserve it. The longer the cake sits, the more the rum infuses into the cake, making it even more flavorful.
Dried Fruits
As mentioned earlier, the use of dried fruits is a crucial part of this cake's flavor profile. The most commonly used fruits are prunes, raisins, and currants, but other dried fruits such as cherries, apricots, and figs can also be added. These fruits are soaked in rum for several weeks before being added to the cake batter.
Aromatic Spices
Aromatic spices are what give West Indian black cake its distinctive flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves are commonly used in the recipe. These spices add warmth and depth to the cake, making it the perfect dessert for a chilly winter evening.
The Recipe for West Indian Black Cake
Now that we have explored the history and ingredients of this delectable dessert, it's time to dive into the recipe. This is a rich and indulgent cake, so it's best to enjoy it in small slices. It also takes some time to prepare, so plan ahead if you want to make it for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried, mixed fruit (prunes, raisins, currants, etc.)
1 cup dark rum
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cloves
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the dried fruit and rum. Cover and let soak for at least 2 weeks, stirring occasionally.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake tin.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in the soaked fruit and chopped nuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before serving. You can also store it in an airtight container for up to a month.
Slice and enjoy this decadent and traditional West Indian dessert!
In conclusion, West Indian black cake is a labor of love that is steeped in tradition and cultural significance. With its rich and complex flavors, it is the perfect dessert for special occasions and celebrations. So why not try your hand at making this delicious cake and experience a taste of the Caribbean in your own kitchen?
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