Caribbean Curry Basics

• Thyme, curry powder and cumin are the predominant spices used in Caribbean curries, while onions, garlic and ginger season these thin, meat-forward curries. Caribbean curries typically include a mild commercial curry powder that contains a blend of cardamon, cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, turmeric, clove, ginger and fenugreek. To make the flavor distinctly Caribbean, allspice is often added to the curry powder. Ranging in spice level from mild to very hot, Scotch bonnet peppers are the favored chili pepper in Caribbean curry making. Coconut milk is used to create a slightly sweet curry, though many curries simply rely on the other flavors to carry them. Caribbean curries are most often served over white rice or rice and peas.

Caribbean Beef Curry

• Caribbean beef curries feature cubed beef cooked for a long period of time to produce tender, spicy meat that melts in your mouth. Use any quality stewing beef to make Caribbean beef curry. Onions and garlic are the base of the dish, while curry powder and cumin create a flavorful dark-brown curry teeming with flavor. Cook beef curry until the meat is tender and the liquids become thick like gravy. Add diced potatoes to create an even thicker, stew-like curry.

Caribbean Chicken Curry

• Caribbean chicken curry recipes vary from country to country throughout the Caribbean. Made with or without coconut milk and potatoes, the simple chicken curry's secret lies in its spice mixture. For the most flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces or a cut-up whole chicken. Marinate the chicken pieces in a thyme, onion, scallion, chile and ginger paste for at least two hours before cooking to lock in the classic Caribbean taste.

Caribbean Goat Curry

• Goat curry is a long-cooked dish that creates falling-off-the-bone tender meat. Because of this, curried goat is the perfect solution to less-than-tender meat from an older goat. Use plenty of curry powder and a Scotch bonnet chili pepper to ensure that this curry is well-spiced. Add coconut milk to create a creamy and sweet curry.