Side Dishes

Boil & Fry Cassava is a quintessential Trinidadian dish that holds a special place in the hearts of those who love Trini cuisine. Known for its comforting simplicity and incredible versatility, this recipe transforms humble cassava into a flavorful side...

Welcome to our culinary journey through 2025! Each week, we'll share the actual meals we've prepared for Sunday lunch, offering a diverse array of dishes to inspire your own gatherings. While some recipes may not be traditionally Trinidadian, every dish...

Cassava, also known as yuca, is a staple in Caribbean cooking. It’s versatile, hearty, and brings a rich, earthy flavor to any dish. This year, I decided to switch up my classic scalloped potatoes recipe and make it with cassava...

Tostones have always held a special place in my kitchen. There's something magical about taking a simple green plantain, twice-frying it, and turning it into golden, crispy perfection. I love their versatility—they can accompany almost any meal. I had them...

Lasagna is a true classic—a layered masterpiece of pasta, sauce, cheese, and meat that brings comfort to the table like few other dishes. Beloved worldwide, this Italian favorite has evolved over generations, adapting to the flavors and preferences of countless...

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...

  Mushroom & Bell Pepper Stir Fry is a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with various main courses. Whether serving it alongside a perfectly cooked steak or using it as a topping for juicy summer cheeseburgers, this...

This chicken-fried rice recipe is a family favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend lunch or dinner. I make this when I need a fast, easy, and delicious one-pot meal. I can guarantee that it is better--and healthier—than...

Trinidad Mango chow is a refreshing, savory and spicy fruit salad. On the islands, chow is a healthy snack, enjoyed year-round as a respite from the heat. Not only is it delicious, it is nutritious and energizing. Chow is made...

This crab & lobster boil recipe was inspired by the boiled corn recipe I recently made. To not waste all that good sauce or broth the corn was boiled in, I decided to maximize its potential by adding some lobster...

Trinidad boiled corn or Trini boiled corn is a must-have on every BBQ, or lime (get-together) menu. In Trinidad boiled or roasted corn is also sold by street vendors, mostly along the highway, serving as a quick and healthy snack...

Have you ever wondered how to make the perfect rice for fried rice -on the stovetop, in a rice cooker & and in an instant pot? Wonder no more, I have experimented with each with some amazing results. One type...

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...

Patchoi with Shrimp Recently, I spoke to my niece in Trinidad, and, as always I asked what’s for dinner. She mentioned patchoi with shrimp and of course, I then inquired how she made it. As luck would have it, I...

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...

Discover the joy of making Chicken Lo Mein (or shrimp) at home—a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthier than takeout. With this easy recipe, you’ll have a nutritious meal ready in no time, perfect for lunch leftovers or...

What is Trinidad Chicken Roti? Trinidad Chicken Roti isn't just a dish; it's an amalgamation of Trinidad's culinary favorites—roti, curry chicken, and an array of tantalizing accompaniments and condiments that cater to every taste bud, from the mild to the...

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...

Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean with this tantalizing Caribbean pumpkin rice recipe. This dish not only captures the essence of the islands but also brings together flavors that will leave you yearning for more....

If you're a fan of the rich flavors in tamarind or mango chutney, Trini Style Cranberry Chutney is sure to captivate your taste buds. This delightful condiment boasts a familiar Trini chutney essence, yet surprises with its straightforward list of...

After posting dhalpuri and lentil puri on social media, the following request was pigeon peas puri. Like all the stuffed rotis I have made, peas puri requires the same process, patience, skill, and dedication. For the filling, fresh green pigeon...

TakeExploring the Essence of Oil Down: A Rich Culinary Tradition Oil Down stands as a dish firmly rooted in the heart of Caribbean cuisine. Several islands each has their own version. It centers around pieces of breadfruit that's simmered in...

This Bhaji recipe differs from the previous version shared here as it requires chorai bhaji (chowrai bhaji) also referred to as amaranth leaves. Growing up in Trinidad, this type of bhaji grew abundantly in the yard. It is not a...

If you're looking for a quick, easy and tasty low-carb breakfast or lunch idea, consider making this savory zucchini and carrot fritter/pancake. Simply mix grated zucchini and carrot with eggs, scallions, chopped celery leaves, onion, garlic, almond flour, coconut flour,...

Geera rice is a fragrant and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. This delectable recipe combines the warmth of roasted cumin with the subtle sweetness of jasmine or basmati rice, creating a symphony of flavors that will entice your...

Oil down is essentially pieces of cassava or breadfruit simmered in coconut milk and herbs until it becomes a creamy texture. Today I am preparing a straightforward variation with cassava, also known as yucca. Traditional ingredients include breadfruit cooked with...

Easy Stewed Canned Red Beans with Coconut Milk Recipe Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal? This Stewed Canned Red Beans with Coconut Milk recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. Whether you're in a rush or...

This stir fry was inspired by a trip to Trader Joes where I found the most beautiful baby veggies. If you don’t have easy access to Trader Joes use regular sized veggies.   HOW TO MEAL PREP FOR THE WEEK?...

My daughters demand delicious and trending so Mommy has to deliver. Not easy being a mom nowadays!! Who agrees? This is my take on bang bang shrimp which is hugely popular on social media. Crispy fried shrimp with a spicy...

Aunty Iya’s shrimp Lo Mein is a popular favorite at family gatherings, along with Cousin Maria’s macaroni pie. This shrimp and noodles recipe is simple, quick and tasty. It is perfect for a weeknight meal. Substitute shrimp for your favorite...

My Cousin Maria makes the best macaroni pie! This is her extra cheesy version which she brings to every family get together. I made it a few months ago to take to a fall pumpkin festival as I thought it...

Shepherd’s Pie is one of my absolute favorite comfort foods. It is traditionally made with ground lamb, but can be made with any type of ground meat including chicken, beef or turkey. Just adjust the seasonings as lamb will pack...

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...

Buttermilk biscuits are my go to for a quick dessert on a cold, winter-weekend night. I always have a stick of butter in the freezer for these craving emergencies. Cutting the butter up into small pieces prior to freezing will...

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...

This chunky veggie stir fry is healthy, nutritious and easy to make. I made it a couple of weeks ago for my Mom’s small birthday party and thought you would appreciate a vegan, veggie dish to start off the new...

  This is the holiday lasagna I made on the very popular Thanksgiving Feast video on You Tube. It has been requested numerous times so I finally decided to make the time and post this delicious recipe. Another recipe long...

This candied yam recipe was given to me by a co-worker over a decade ago. I have tweaked it to my preferences, reducing the quantity of sugar but it is still exceptionally delicious, and is a great side to your...

  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...

Growing up my mom made the most delicious and elaborate Sunday lunches for us. This beet and potato salad is inspired by those meals. I have never seen this combination elsewhere. I added the sweet potatoes in my version which...

Everyone loves a good, crispy wonton dipped in ketchup, soy sauce and a little hot sauce for a nice kick. In this recipe, I am using a savory shrimp filling perfectly seasoned with scallions, garlic, ginger and sesame oil. The...

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...

  This is one of the easiest and most surprisingly flavorful rice dishes I’ve ever made. It is surprisingly delicious because you won’t expect such robust flavors from the simple ingredients used. Prep takes two minutes and the cooking time...

Coo Coo, also spelled "Cou Cou," is a traditional dish in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean countries. It is made with cornmeal, ochro, fresh seasonings and coconut milk. It is often compared to polenta but has its own unique...

  Stewed blackeyed peas is a favorite amongst vegans and nonvegans alike. In this recipe, black eye peas are simmered with simple and flavorful aromatics to create a tasty and nutritious side dish. The traditional stewing process which is the...

On my recent Simple Thanksgiving Video, I created this quick and delicious stove top recipe since the oven was occupied with the turkey. The aim of that video was to create a simple and budget friendly menu for Thanksgiving. I...

  This cranberry chutney is a twist to the classic recipe, infused with the savory and spicy flavors of the Caribbean. Your turkey and Thanksgiving guests will thank you for it. You can make this cranberry chutney with as many...

When the holidays come around and your kitchen is busy with excitement and choas, there is always one side dish that's so simple, delicious and takes 5 mins to cook. This is a must on every holiday menu. It offers...

A perfect creamy, mashed potatoes recipe for Thanksgiving, the Holidays or any Sunday lunch along with stewed chicken and chow mein (my mom's favorite combo) or a pot roast. Growing up in the Caribbean, my job was to whisk the...

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...

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...

As I mentioned on IG and Facebook, the husband loved this combination of saltfish and veggies with flour dumplings so much he insisted that I remake and filmed this for everyone. This looks like I cooked all day but would...

Halal Cart-Inspired Yellow Rice When you think of the ultimate street food experience, halal cart chicken and rice is always at the top of the list. There’s something magical about that vibrant yellow rice, served up with perfectly spiced meat,...

I am excited to share my Caribbean stewed canned black beans recipe! It is a favorite in our household and I am confident it will be a favorite in yours as well. As I may have mentioned previously, at the...

Rice is a staple in any Caribbean Kitchen. Here are the top rice recipes on this site and in our house! From the veggie loaded Trini Fried Rice to a plate of comforting pelau, a one pot dish, these rice...

This is a versatile cilantro chutney that can be used as a salad dressing or as a chutney on rice(see my cilantro rice), grilled or baked meat or seafood dishes! You can also substitute with culantro also known as bandhania...

I have shared some of my favorite rice dishes with you including pelau, carrot rice, Trini Fried rice, scallion-cilantro rice, but be prepared for yet another winner! One day I literally threw a few ingredients together to make this rice...