As snow blankets much of America and temperatures plunge, our cravings naturally turn toward comfort food. But comfort doesn’t have to mean the same old casseroles and stews. This winter, why not escape the chill by bringing the vibrant, warming flavors of the Caribbean into your kitchen?
Caribbean cuisine is the original fusion food—a delicious blend of African, Indian, European, and Indigenous Taino influences. While it’s famous for heat, it’s also known for deep, savory spices like allspice, thyme, and nutmeg that are perfect for warming you from the inside out. Best of all, most of these dishes use ingredients you can easily find at your local supermarket.
Let’s explore five Caribbean dishes that will transport your taste buds to sunnier shores:
- Jamaican Curry Chicken
Unlike Thai or Indian curries, Caribbean curry powder often includes turmeric and allspice, creating an earthy warmth rather than just sharp heat. This one-pot wonder features tender chicken thighs, potatoes, and carrots in a rich curry sauce that actually tastes even better the next day. Serve it over fluffy white rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Jamaican Curry Chicken
- Caribbean Saturday Soup
In the Caribbean, this hearty soup is a beloved weekend tradition. The secret is pumpkin (or butternut squash, which works perfectly as a substitute) that breaks down while cooking to create a rich, golden broth. Add tender beef, vegetables, and simple flour dumplings called “spinners,” and you’ve got a meal that truly sticks to your ribs on a cold winter day.
- Caribbean Saturday Soup
- Stew Peas (Red Bean Stew)
Don’t let the name fool you—this Jamaican comfort food classic is actually a thick, creamy kidney bean stew enriched with coconut milk and smoky meat. Using canned beans makes this surprisingly quick to prepare while still delivering authentic island <<flavor/flavour>>.
- Stew Peas (Red Bean Stew)
- Trinidadian Corn Soup
Moving between a cool home office and an overheated meeting room? This legendary street food is creamy, mildly spicy, and incredibly soothing. Made with yellow split peas that dissolve into a puree, canned corn, and coconut milk, it’s the perfect pantry-staple meal. A whole scotch bonnet pepper adds flavor without overwhelming heat—just remember not to burst it while cooking!
- Trinidadian Corn Soup
- Coconut Curry Shrimp
Need sunshine in a bowl in under 20 minutes? This quick weeknight dinner delivers rich, velvety sauce coating plump shrimp. Frozen shrimp works perfectly here, making it an accessible option even when fresh seafood isn’t readily available. A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving brightens the whole dish.
- Coconut Curry Shrimp
he beauty of Caribbean winter cooking lies in its use of warming spices, the comforting creaminess of coconut milk, and bold flavors that chase away the winter blues. You don’t need a plane ticket to feel the warmth of the islands—just a willingness to explore new spices and techniques in your own kitchen.
Have you tried Caribbean cuisine before? Do you have a favorite dish we didn’t mention? Share your Caribbean cooking experiences and recommendations with the Shop Talk community!
Did you know? Pastry with a twist
The famous Jamaican beef patty—that flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced meat—is actually a Caribbean cousin of the British Cornish pasty! When British colonizers brought their traditional pastries to the islands, locals adapted them by adding the distinctive yellow hue (from turmeric) and swapping mild seasonings for scotch bonnet peppers, cumin, and curry spices.