Diwali Recipes

When life gets busy, a quick yet satisfying home-cooked meal is essential. This 25-minute Instant Pot curry channa and aloo recipe is a lifesaver for busy families and professionals craving the flavors of traditional Trini cooking without hours in the...

Trinidad fry bodi with shrimp is a beloved dish in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands. This flavorful meal combines sautéed long green beans (bodi) with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and optional hot pepper for a burst of taste. Despite the...

Trinidad Bread and Channa: A Delicious Tradition with a Personal Twist In my previous post, I shared my take on boil channa (also known as "cup ah channa"). As a natural follow-up, I want to dive into another beloved Trinidadian...

What is Pineapple Chow? Chow is a popular dish in Trinidad and Tobago, consisting of fruits marinated in a seasoning blend of hot pepper, garlic, culantro(bandhania) and salt. This spicy snack is enjoyed at Trini Lime (social gatherings) or just...

Aloo Choka is one of the several vegan chokas we enjoy in a Trinidadian diet. In this easy recipe, potatoes, commonly known as aloo, are peeled, boiled until tender, and mashed with simple seasonings, including onion, garlic, hot pepper and...

Murtani, also known as upar gaar or pepper choka is a spicy side dish or condiment that’s popular in Trinidad. Whenever cooking outdoors over a wooden stove, gas burner or cooking along the banks of a river, murtani is sure...

In Trinidad and Tobago's culinary landscape, few dishes evoke the same level of nostalgia and appreciation as "Trinidad roti.". There is a saying in T&T that is a testament to this fact, "I am not roti, I can't make everyone...

Growing up in the vibrant Caribbean island of Trinidad, the aroma of curry wafting from our kitchen was a reminder of the rich culinary heritage passed down from previous generations. Among the array of dishes Mummy dutifully prepared to nourish...

The adventure of making a traditional kitchari-the simple version that Grandma made..... Last Sunday was earmarked as my official day off from the kitchen. With a playful decree to my husband that today, the oven stays cold and the stove...

Sada Eddoes: In Trinidad, we have some of the most delicious and simple vegan dishes. These are the recipes we grew up on. Recipes created by our great grandparents who came to Trinidad to work in the sugar cane plantation....

This instant pot curry channa and aloo is being posted by special request. It is well known that cooking curry channa and aloo from scractch(dried beans) can take up to two hours. In this recipe, we are doing it in...

What is roat? Roat is a classic Trinidadian sweet that plays an integral role in Hindu religious ceremonies. This treat, found in the parsad bags distributed to participants, embodies both spiritual meaning and delicious simplicity. [caption id="attachment_1498" align="aligncenter" width="640"] OUTSIDE...

I enjoy listening to my mom's stories about my Nani's cooking (her mom). She's been sharing delicious kitchen tales for decades, and they've always held a special place in my heart. She told me that, every Diwali, Nani made these...

Exploring Trinidad and Tobago's Beloved 'Dhal' Dish In the vibrant culinary culture of Trinidad and Tobago, there's a beloved side dish that holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of locals: 'Dhal.' The word 'dhal' encompasses not...

Cooking the perfect Basmati rice can be a culinary puzzle I've spent years unraveling. After numerous trials and tribulations, I've come up with some essential steps for consistently achieving impeccable results. We all want restaurant-style basmati rice at home that...

In the whirlwind of our daily lives, sometimes we need a recipe that's not only delicious but also efficient. Our 30-Minute Curry Canned Chickpeas and Potatoes is the answer to your time-strapped kitchen adventures. This delightful curry is a testament...

There's something undeniably comforting about a well-cooked potato dish that warms both the heart and the soul. In today's post, I am excited to share a recipe that has been passed down through generations – Mummy’s Curry Aloo. Her curry...

You have heard and most likely eaten dhalpuri(a flavorful and very popular split pea/dhal stuffed roti), however, I am about to introduce you to the newest roti on the scene (aka my kitchen) Lentil Puri (Lentil Roti, Lentil Flatbread). I...

Along with aloo pie, saheena, baiganee, pholourie and doubles, Kachori is another popular street food, shack, appetizer or breakfast.  This delicious snack is vegan, high in protein and fiber and can be gluten free. It is traditionally served with mango...

Peas dhal is essentially curry peas that’s mashed to attain the consistency of the traditional split peas dhal. Our second meal on any trip to Trinidad is usually curried duck, peas dhal and dhalpuri made my mother and sister in...

Dhal & Dumpling soup is a simple soup made with split peas, seasonings and flour dumplings. It’s vegan, hearty and filling. Perfect for a cold, rainy or even a sunny day. I started this dhal & dumpling soup in the...

  Curry cabbage is a simple dish of chopped cabbage cooked in flavorful curry with tomatoes, onion, garlic and scallions. The cabbage is steamed until it softens and all the flavors are combined. It is easy to make, budget friendly...

  Barfi is a traditional, rich, milk-based sweet made around Diwali time or during the year for religious and cultural gatherings. The simple list of ingredients includes full cream milk powder, Nestle cream, ground cardamom, and ginger. Barfi originated in...

Ladoo is a delicious and popular sweet treat made in Trinidad around Diwali and during the year for poojas, prayers and Hindu religious ceremonies. How to make ladoo? Ground split peas are made into a batter and fried. The fried...

Kitchri is the Caribbean cousin, a descendant, a derivative of kichadi. Kichadi is the ayurvedic dish that detoxifies, heals, rejuvenates, improves immunity and energy. This recipe that was brought to Trinidad by the indentured laborers who came to work in...

Curry mango can be a main dish, side dish, condiment or snack. It is sweet, spicy, savory and satisfying. One of the greatest joys of eating this is sucking on the seed. It is a great side dish for curry...

Chaitaigne, also known as katahar (in Guyana) or breadnut (Jamaica) is cooked in a flavorful coconut curry sauce, seasoned with onion, garlic, hot pepper(habanero or scotch bonnet) and culantro(bandhania or shado beni).  Other names for chaitaigne are Maya nut, Snakewood,...

This dish, referred to as carhee or kurhi, uses split pea powder in two ways. First the split pea powder is  used to make small balls of pholourie which are then immersed into a thick soup like gravy which is...

  Tamarind chutney is made with tamarind, sweet or sour varieties, peppers and spices. This popular condiment is enjoyed with aloo pies, aloo roti, pholourie, kachori, saheena or doubles. Check out all these recipes on this site. [caption id="attachment_3711" align="aligncenter"...

Learn to make this vegan Trinidadian favorite that's simply irresistible. This recipe for Trinidadian bhagi (bhaji or bhagee) uses simple ingredients, including chopped spinach, cumin, and coconut cream. This bhagi recipe is traditionally made with dasheen bush leaves(taro) or chowrai...

Today we are making aloo roti also called aloo puri or aloo paratha, another type of stuffed roti enjoyed in Trinidad, other parts of the Caribbean, and around the world. How to make aloo roti? To make this roti, a...

Mango Talkarie is a sweet side dish or condiment that accompanies vegetarian or meat dishes. It's made with tart, green mangoes and amchar massala.   In this recipe, green mangoes are cut into pieces lengthwise, cleaned and then boiled with...

Trinidad curry aloo, also known as curry potato, is a simple and delicious curry dish that's very affordable and economical. In this recipe, pieces of potato are sautéed in a mild curry and seasoned with herbs. Hot water is then...

What is Diwali? DIWALI, also known as Deepavali or Divali, is the Hindu festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated in India, Trinidad, Guyana, and many other countries and islands around the world. It celebrates the "victory of light over darkness,...

Diwali is approaching and everyone's getting ready to prepare a feast. If you are looking for a sweet delicacy to add to your menu, this is it! Kneading the dough is simple, it requires no resting and frying is done...

This post, Top 10 Vegan Veggie Recipes in Trinidad will provide you with meal ideas and a list of Trini favorites for when you need to add more vegan or vegetarian dishes to your normal meal rotations. Diwali will be...

Fall is in the air, and it's such a beautiful time! The changing of the colors of the trees in NY State is just magnificent! It's certainly something to put on your bucket list my friends. It's time to cozy...

Today I'll teach you how to make my current obsession, - eggplant and potato with chickpeas (curry channa with baigan and aloo). Whatever way you say it, the result is still phenomenal!  On weekends, I wake up early to check...

Trinidad Baigan and Aloo with Tomatoes In early Spring we built a home garden at my country home using raised beds and organic soil. It proved to be quite easy. The greatest challenge was deciding where we would place it....

STOP! You have found the best, most detailed Trinidad Doubles Recipe on the internet! All other recipes are mere adaptations. As I get ready to end this year strong and set goals for the new year, I thought I should...

Table of contentsWhat is Dhalpuri?Dhalpuri, also known as dhal puri, dalpuri or dhalpourie is one of the most popular rotis in Trinidad. It is a  stuffed flatbread , deeply rooted in Indo-Trinidadian cuisine.The origins of dhalpuriHow is dhalpuri made?How to...

Spice up your life with Trinidad Pepper Roti—a flavorful, cheesy, and spicy flatbread that’s perfect for any occasion, Pepper Roti is a beloved roti in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its flaky layers and fiery filling. Traditionally filled with mashed...

Sadly, all good things come to an end except my blogging of course. The activity- and action-packed days of summer are now a refreshing memory. My annual Fourth of July BBQ, a family vacation in exquisite Turks and Caicos, elaborate...

'This boil and fry black-eyed peas dish, referred to as "Googanee" by my Mom, is made traditionally with only onion, garlic, culantro (shado beni) and pepper, but I added veggies for additional flavor and nutrients." The year 2014 came and...

  Summer has bid us farewell. School is back in session. I have no vivid recollection of activities that occurred between the start of summer and the beginning of the school session. I know I worked maybe just a little...

Aloo pie is fried dough filled with savory mashed potatoes that’s seasoned simply with bandhania (culantro), cumin, onion and garlic.   This snack (or meal) is right up there in popularity with doubles, saheena, pholourie,dhal pholourie, kachori and bake and...

Pholourie is another very popular snack food in Trinidad. It's soft, chewy, fluffy, and savory, similar in texture to a fritter. Other popular snack foods include saheena, kachori, aloo pie, fish pie, shrimp pie, doubles, chow, chicken and cheese puffs....

Before moving on to the recipe of the day 'sweet rice', you should know that I intended to post many wonderful recipes for Diwali and Thanksgiving, but Hurricane 'Sandy' prevented me from doing so. Sandy the Super Storm We did...

What is Paratha Roti? What is Buss up shot /buss up shut roti? Paratha, also known as “buss up shut” is one of the various types of roti (leavened flatbread) ubiquitous in Trinidad, along with sada roti, dosti roti, dhalpuri...

Channa is also known as chickpeas, garbanzo beans, or ceci beans. Aloo, on the other hand, is what we Trinidadians refer to as potato. Hence the term curry channa and aloo. In this dish, channa and aloo are simmered in...

Each Caribbean island boasts of its own unique blend of “devilish” hot sauces also known as pickled peppers. They vary from simple combinations of hot pepper (pronounced peppah) and lime juice or vinegar to more complicated concoctions of fruits(papaya), vegetables...

  Since I last posted I have traveled on business, arranged a beach “lime” with my wonderful cousins (with fried bake and shark, saltfish and tomatoes and fry bodi for breakfast and curried duck, dhal and rice for lunch), partied and...

In this simple raw mango chutney, a raw half ripe mango is pureed with garlic, bandania (culantro) and hot pepper(s) to create an exotic blend of flavors. Raw mango chutney is traditionally enjoyed with fried bake and shark, aloo pie,...