What Is Caribbean Green Seasoning?
Caribbean green seasoning got its name from the Caribbean Islands, where it is very popular. It is called different names depending on where you are – Trinidad green seasoning, Bajan green seasoning, Jamaican green seasoning and so on.
This aromatic blend with an intense depth of flavour is an essential ingredient in the Caribbean household. It is used to season food as a marinade and by adding to soups, stews and sauces.
The ingredients for Caribbean green seasoning is a blend of fresh herbs and spices; and varies depending on the Island and the household. It is very easy to make and is usually prepared in bulk in order to use over many days.
Here Is What You Need To Make Caribbean Green Seasoning
A few notes about ingredients…
- Coriander: Traditionally, a herb known as shado beni, which is also called culantro is used. It is not available where I am, so I have substituted with cilantro, its close cousin.
- Peppers: Caribbean green seasoning is a hot marinade. 2 scotch bonnets make this quite hot already – you can add, reduce or remove depending on your preference. You can also substitute with milder peppers for less heat.
How To Make Caribbean Green Seasoning
Wash the scotch bonnet, spring onions, thyme, coriander and parsley.
Trim off the roots of the spring onions and cut into smaller pieces.
Cut the stems off the parsley and the coriander.
Remove the thyme leaves from the stalk. An easy way to do this is to hold the end of the stem with one hand and run two fingers down the stem to separate from the leaves and thinner stalks from thick stalks.
Peel the garlic and the ginger.
Peel the onions and cut into smaller pieces.
Remove the stalk from the scotch bonnet.
Add all the ingredients into a blender with the salt. Add three tablespoons of water to help the blending process.
Whizz all the ingredients in the blender to get a coarse consistency as shown below.
Store in an air-tight jar.
Recipe Notes
How to preserve Caribbean green seasoning: There are a few methods of preserving this green marinade;
- Pour some oil over it in a jar and cover. The oil will form a protective seal and it will keep for longer in the fridge.
- Pour in ice-cube tray and freeze. Bring out the cubes as required.
- Pour into a ziplock bag, flatten and freeze. Cut off pieces as required.
How Do I Use Caribbean Seasoning?: It is a very versatile ingredient and can be used to flavour foods in as many ways as you can imagine. Some examples are;
- Rub some salt and onion powder into fish or meat. Add a few tablespoons of the green marinade. Rub all over the meat or fish and leave for a few hours to marinate before roasting or grilling.
- Pour over vegetables and allow to marinate for some time before grilling.
- Mix into burger mince for fantastic Island flavours in your burgers.
- Add to stews, soups and rice dishes.
Other seasoning/marinades to try;
Caribbean Green Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Parsley
- 1 bunch Coriander
- ½ bunch Fresh thyme
- 1 head Garlic
- 1 Onion
- 2 inches Ginger
- 2 Scotch bonnet
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash the scotch bonnet, spring onions, thyme, coriander and parsley.
- Trim off the roots of the spring onions and cut into smaller pieces.
- Cut the stems off the parsley and the coriander.
- Remove the thyme leaves from the stalk. An easy way to do this is to hold the end of the stem with one hand and run two fingers down the stem to separate from the leaves and thinner stalks from thick stalks.
- Peel the garlic and the ginger.
- Peel the onions and cut into smaller pieces.
- Remove the stalk from the scotch bonnet.
- Add all the ingredients into a blender with the salt. Add three tablespoons of water to help the blending process.
- Whizz all the ingredients in the blender to get a coarse consistency.
- Store in an air-tight jar.
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