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I've been obsessed with callaloo since a friend gave me some at a farmers market in Toronto last fall. When I came back to Barbados I started searching everywhere for it and finally found some at Cheapside Market and then some more in my step-mom's backyard (oh the irony). Callaloo here is much smaller and more tender than the kind you may find in Toronto or Jamaica and Trinidad which is where I've had it. I also found out that Bajans don't really eat these greens as often as Trinidadians and Jamaicans do! Too bad because it's nutritious, delicious, and takes a few minutes to make. It's a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin, ....basically all the good stuff! So in honour of callaloo, I'm showing 2 ways I like to prepare it.
Stewed Callaloo
- 2 cups of callaloo leaves and small stems
- Half onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove chopped
- Half tomato, copped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Creamed coconut (optional)
Separate the callalou placing its leaves and smaller stems in a strainer, wash thoroughly
Chop up the tomato, onion, garlic, and callalou stems
Sautee onions in oil first, when they are soft add garlic.
Place all the callalou in the pan- it looks like a lot but it will cook down quickly. Add tomatoes and gently turn all vegetables until combined.
Season with salt, pepper, cumin and chili powder. Cover and let stew for 10-15 minutes.
Add
the optional (but highly recommended) creamed coconut and hot sauce
towards the end, stirring until completely dissolved into the stew.
This is great over rice, yams, potatoes, or any starch.
Callaloo Green Smoothie
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup callaloo leaves and small stems
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
- Juice of half a lime/lemon
Separate the callalou leaves and small stems. Place in a strainer and wash thoroughly
Place all ingredients in a blender, add water last.
Blend on high for 2 minutes until all ingredients are broken down
Yes it looks like a lime green monster, and yes you will feel amazing after drinking it!
How do you like your callaloo?
