Introduction:
Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen is an ITV series that aims to introduce viewers to the bold and vibrant Caribbean cuisine. The show is hosted by Ainsley Harriott, a popular celebrity chef, known for his enthusiasm and love of food. His passion for cooking is evident in every episode as he takes viewers on a journey through the Caribbean, introducing traditional dishes and putting his own spin on them.
Concept and focus:
The main focus of Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen is to showcase the diversity and depth of Caribbean cuisine. Each episode explores a different aspect of Caribbean culture, introducing viewers to the unique spices, flavours and ingredients that make Caribbean cuisine so special. From the spicy jerk chicken to the sweet and tangy mango salsa, every dish is bursting with flavour and colour.
The show also highlights the importance of using fresh ingredients in Caribbean cooking, emphasizing the use of locally sourced produce and seafood. Ainsley encourages viewers to experiment with new ingredients and to have fun in the kitchen, highlighting the accessible nature of Caribbean cuisine.
Easy and flavourful recipes:
The recipes in Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen are easy to follow and don't require any advanced cooking skills, making them perfect for home cooks of all levels. Here are 10 of our favourite recipes from the series, complete with preparation instructions and any necessary substitutions for dietary restrictions.
| Recipes | Description | Ingredients | Preparation Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jerk Chicken | A classic Caribbean dish, with a spicy and smoky flavor. | Chicken breast, scallions, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar |
1. In a bowl, combine the chicken breast, scallions, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar. 2. Marinate the chicken in the spices for at least 2 hours or overnight. 3. Preheat the grill or oven. 4. Cook the chicken on the grill or in the oven until it is cooked through. Serve with rice and beans. |
| Callaloo | A popular Caribbean side dish made with leafy greens, coconut milk, and spices. | Leafy greens (spinach, kale, or collard greens), onion, garlic, tomato, coconut milk, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper. |
1. Wash and chop the leafy greens. 2. In a pan, sauté the onions, garlic, and tomato. 3. Add the leafy greens to the pan and cook them down. 4. Add the coconut milk, thyme, scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper. 5. Continue to cook for 5-10 minutes until the dish thickens. Serve as a side dish with rice or bread. |
| Curried Goat | A traditional Caribbean curry dish that is slow-cooked in a fragrant sauce. | Goat meat, onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, thyme, scallions, tomato paste, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. |
1. Cut the goat meat into small pieces. 2. In a pan, sauté the onions, garlic, ginger, and scallions. 3. Add the curry powder, thyme, and tomato paste. 4. Add the goat meat to the pan and cook until brown. 5. Add water, salt, and pepper and let it cook for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender. 6. Serve with rice and vegetables. |
| Plantain Chips | A sweet and salty snack made from ripe plantains. | Ripe plantains, salt, and oil. |
1. Peel and thinly slice the ripe plantains. 2. Heat the oil in a frying pan. 3. When the oil is hot, add the plantains and fry until golden brown. 4. Remove the plantains from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil. 5. Sprinkle salt on the plantains and serve as a snack or side dish. |
| Caribbean Rice and Beans | A staple side dish in Caribbean cuisine, made with rice and red beans. | White rice, red beans, coconut milk, onion, garlic, thyme, scallions, scotch bonnet pepper (optional), salt, and pepper. |
1. Rinse the rice and beans and soak them separately in water. 2. In a pot, sauté the onions, garlic, thyme, and scallions. 3. Add the rice and beans to the pot and stir. 4. Add the coconut milk and water. 5. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Add the scotch bonnet pepper (if using). 7. Cover the pot and let it cook until the rice is tender. |
| Fried Jerk Fish | A crispy and flavorful fish dish, perfect for a summer barbecue. | White fish (tilapia), jerk seasoning, flour, salt, and oil. |
1. Season the fish with jerk seasoning. 2. Coat the fish in flour. 3. Heat the oil in a frying pan. 4. When the oil is hot, add the fish and fry until golden brown. 5. Remove the fish from the pan and place it on a paper towel to remove excess oil. 6. Serve with coleslaw or mashed plantains. |
| Mango Salsa | A sweet and tangy side dish made with fresh mango and lime. | Mango, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. |
1. Dice the mango, red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno. 2. In a bowl, mix the mango, onion, pepper, and jalapeno. 3. Add cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl. 4. Mix well and serve as a side dish or topping for tacos or grilled fish. |
| Coconut Shrimp | A crunchy and creamy seafood dish made with coconut flakes. | Shrimp, coconut flakes, flour, salt, egg, and oil. |
1. Peel and devein the shrimp. 2. Mix the coconut flakes, flour, and salt in a bowl. 3. Beat the egg in a separate bowl. 4. Dip the shrimp in the egg mixture and then coat them with the coconut and flour mixture. 5. Heat the oil in a frying pan. 6. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp and fry until golden brown. 7. Remove the shrimp from the pan and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil. 8. Serve with mango salsa or a sweet chili sauce. |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | A simple and delicious side dish made with sweet potatoes and spices. | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. |
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes. 3. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. 4. Arrange the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown. |
| Guava BBQ Sauce | A tangy and sweet barbecue sauce made with guava paste. | Guava paste, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. |
1. In a blender, combine the guava paste, ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. 2. Blend until smooth. 3. Pour the mixture into a saucepan. 4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. 5. Let the sauce cool and serve as a dipping sauce or glaze for meats. |
Conclusion:
Caribbean cuisine has a reputation for being bold, spicy, and flavorful, and Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen is here to show just how easy and accessible these dishes can be. With the use of fresh ingredients and Ainsley's innovative twists on classic dishes, anyone can bring a taste of the Caribbean home. These 10 recipes are just the beginning of what Caribbean cuisine has to offer, and we encourage you to experiment with the spices and flavors to create your own favorite recipes. So, grab your
