**Colombo: A Caribbean Meat Stew with a Burst of Flavors**
Colombo, a traditional Caribbean meat stew, is a delectable dish that tantalizes taste buds with its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. Originating from Trinidad and Tobago, this hearty stew is a harmonious blend of diverse culinary influences, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. The fusion of African, Indian, and European cooking techniques has resulted in a dish that is both complex and comforting, making it a beloved favorite among locals and food enthusiasts alike.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to preparing Colombo, featuring three distinct variations that cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. The classic Colombo recipe showcases the traditional method of cooking the stew with chicken, while the vegetarian Colombo offers a meatless alternative packed with flavorful vegetables. For those seeking a taste of the sea, the seafood Colombo incorporates a variety of succulent seafood, transforming the stew into a delightful coastal delight.
Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that home cooks of all skill levels can recreate this culinary masterpiece in their own kitchens. Detailed ingredient lists provide precise measurements and variations to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer the classic chicken Colombo, the hearty vegetarian version, or the seafood extravaganza, this article equips you with the knowledge and guidance to prepare an authentic and unforgettable Colombo experience.
JAMAICAN-STYLE BEEF STEW
This delicious stew makes a hearty supper with a lighter touch. The leaner cut of meat, herbs and seasonings and fresh vegetables make it so flavorful, you'll want another bowl! -James Hayes, Ridgecrest, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h40m
Yield 5 servings (1-1/4 quarts).
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add sugar; cook and stir until lightly browned, 1 minute. Add beef and brown on all sides. , Stir in the vegetables, broth, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, steak sauce and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until meat and vegetables are tender, 1 to 1-1/4 hours., Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into stew. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. If desired, serve with rice or potatoes. Freeze option: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add water if necessary.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 285 calories, Fat 9g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 56mg cholesterol, Sodium 892mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 32g protein.
SLOW-COOKER CARIBBEAN BEEF STEW
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 7h15m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Strip the leaves from 1 sprig thyme and chop; combine with the flour, allspice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper in a large bowl. Add the beef and toss to coat. Put the potatoes, carrots, the remaining 2 thyme sprigs, the ginger and garlic in a 5-to-6-quart slow cooker. Add the beef, reserving any excess seasoned flour in the bowl. Whisk 1/2 cup water and the Worcestershire sauce into the reserved seasoned flour, then add to the slow cooker. Pour the tomatoes on top. Cover and cook on low 7 hours or on high 4 hours. Add the scallions to the stew and season with salt. Divide among bowls and serve with hot sauce.
JIM HARRISON'S CARIBBEAN STEW
Jim Harrison, the poet and epicure, hunter and fisherman, novelist, essayist and enthusiastic cook, published a version of this recipe in the literary magazine Smoke Signals in 1981. I adapted it more than three decades later, after Harrison's death in 2016. The key ingredients: a lot of tomato paste and a good, floral hot sauce, ideally made with Scotch bonnet peppers, which combine in marvelous ways. Parboiling the ribs allows the recipe to come together relatively quickly, and the cooking otherwise is totally serial: one step after another until you slide the pot into the oven and allow the heat to do its work. Substitute different meats, or fewer, if you like, depending on availability.
Provided by Sam Sifton
Categories soups and stews, main course
Time 2h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Place spareribs in a pot, and cover with water. Place pot over high heat, and bring to a boil. Lower heat slightly, and cook, covered, for 15 or 20 minutes, then remove ribs to a large bowl and discard the water.
- While the ribs cook, pour the oil into a Dutch oven set over high heat, and swirl it around. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and when the oil begins to shimmer and is about to smoke, add them to the pan, skin-side down. Brown the chicken aggressively, about 5 to 7 minutes per side, then add the chicken to the bowl with the ribs. Repeat with the sausages, browning them on all sides for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, then add to the bowl with the chicken and the ribs. Cook the onions and garlic in the fat remaining in the Dutch oven, stirring occasionally until they soften and begin to brown, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Heat oven to 300. Add the tomato paste, vinegar, lemon juice, hot-pepper sauce, chicken stock, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chile powder and paprika to the onions and garlic in the Dutch oven, then stir to combine, and allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the meats to the Dutch oven, stirring and tossing them so that they are well covered with the sauce, then cover the pot, and place in the oven to cook, undisturbed, for approximately 90 minutes, or until the meats are tender and, in the case of the chicken and the ribs, pulling from the bone.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 882, UnsaturatedFat 43 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 72 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 47 grams, SaturatedFat 22 grams, Sodium 894 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use a variety of meats for a more flavorful stew. Some good options include beef, pork, chicken, and goat.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices. Colombo powder is a good starting point, but you can also add other spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Some good options include potatoes, carrots, onions, and bell peppers.
- Simmer the stew for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the stew with rice, roti, or your favorite side dish.
Conclusion:
Colombo is a delicious and flavorful Caribbean meat stew that is easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a dish that will be enjoyed by the whole family. So next time you're looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give Colombo a try.
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