Side Dishes

Looking for that perfect side to your meat or vegetarian meal or feast? Here you will find some of the tastiest sides on the planet–loaded with flavor. They will be sure to impress your guests!

Cassava Dumplings (Gluten-Free Option)

Cassava Dumplings (Gluten-Free Option)

Cassava dumplings are a beloved Caribbean comfort food, offering a firm yet slightly chewy texture with a subtle sweetness and earthy depth from the cassava. The addition of green seasoning infuses a gentle herbaceous flavor, making these dumplings even more delicious. Perfect for soaking up [continue reading]

Instant Pot Trinidad Callaloo – A Quick and Flavorful Version

Instant Pot Trinidad Callaloo – A Quick and Flavorful Version

This Instant Pot Trinidad Callaloo delivers all the delicious flavors of the traditional dish (see that traditional callaloo recipe here) with a fraction of the effort. By using pre-cut frozen ingredients and the efficiency of the pressure cooker, you can achieve the same rich, creamy, [continue reading]

Stewed Lentils with Coconut Milk

Stewed Lentils with Coconut Milk

Stewed lentils have long been a comforting and nourishing dish in my kitchen, but I had never thought to add coconut milk—until now. This recipe was inspired by my mom’s stewed red beans, a dish that has been a cherished part of our family meals [continue reading]

Simple Rice and Peas

Simple Rice and Peas

Rice and peas is a classic Caribbean dish that pairs beautifully with jerk chicken, stewed meats, or seafood. This simple version came together quickly when I had unexpected visitors while preparing Sunday lunch. Using pantry staples, including canned pigeon peas and jasmine rice, I created [continue reading]

52 Sunday Lunches – 2025: Weekly Meal Inspiration for Your Table

52 Sunday Lunches – 2025: Weekly Meal Inspiration for Your Table

Welcome to 52 Weeks of Sunday Lunches! In Trinidad and across the Caribbean, Sunday Lunch—also known as Sunday Dinner—is more than just a meal. It’s a cherished tradition where families gather around a table filled with food, stories, and laughter. The spread is what defines [continue reading]

Mom’s Amazing Stewed Red Beans

Mom’s Amazing Stewed Red Beans

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of Mom’s stewed red beans—a staple at our family Christmas dinners, always paired with macaroni pie, callaloo, curry duck, and dhalpuri for a true taste of home. My mom’s version, now adapted for the Instant Pot, is both rich [continue reading]

Boil & Fry Cassava: A Healthy and Delicious Trinidadian Side Dish

Boil & Fry Cassava: A Healthy and Delicious Trinidadian Side Dish

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 dish. Whether paired with rich [continue reading]

Scalloped Cassava

Scalloped Cassava

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 instead. The result? A delightful [continue reading]

Crispy Tostones with a Spicy Onion Pickle

Crispy Tostones with a Spicy Onion Pickle

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.

Comforting Homemade Lasagna

Comforting Homemade Lasagna

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 cooks and families. From its [continue reading]