Two years ago we started off the new year with an incredibly delicious cook-up rice filled with chicken, salted pig’s tail and plenty of black-eyed peas (which are said to bring good luck when used to start off a new year). You’ll see similarities between that recipe and the beef version we’re about to make, but we clearly didn’t follow any traditional rules this time.
You will need…
1 1/2 pounds braised beef (1 inch pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 large carrot (diced)
1 medium sized tomato (diced)
6 cloves of garlic (Crushing)
1 medium sized onion (sliced)
2 tablespoons Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 Scotch bonnet pepper (sliced)
1 can of red kidney beans (Rinsed)
3 cups coconut milk
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
8 to 10 okra stalks (sliced)
1/2 pound pumpkin (diced)
1/2 pound spinach (chopped)
3 cups brown rice (washed)
8 to 9 cups water (Division and adjustment)
Note! Check out the video below for more details on the recipe. The Scotch Bonnet peppers I used are optional because I like things a little hotter. Use your favorite peppers as much as you can tolerate. For extra flavor, you can add some freshly grated ginger and a few bay leaves when you first cook the beef. Frozen peas, carrots, and beans can also be added when you add the rice. If you are making this dish gluten free, check the full list of ingredients to make sure they meet your gluten free dietary requirements.
Heat the oil in a wide, heavy pot over medium heat, add the beef and stir fry until browned. You can also reduce the heat to medium-low. (In the video, I explained why I didn’t pre-season or marinate the beef.).
After about 8 minutes, add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.
At this point add the carrots, onion, garlic, Caribbean green seasoning, tomatoes, black pepper, Scotch bonnet pepper and salt. Continue to cook, stirring, for 3 minutes.
Add the washed beans (I used light-colored, almost pink beans.)Stir well and add the coconut milk and 1 cup of water. I used to wash the bowl with coconut milk. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low. At this point, add ginger and bay leaves if you like.
It depends on how big you cut the beef. (You can use any cheap beef.)After 1 hour and 10 minutes, it will have softened a little, so add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil again.
You can make a lot of food with 3 cups of rice. (Serves 8-10) Rather than a 2:1 ratio (Liquid – Rice)I used 7 cups of water, you may need to add more water later if you want your cooked rice to be more moist or watery.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, tasting the liquid and adjusting salt to taste. Check to see if the rice has cooked to your liking. (Doneness) Continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes.
This traditional Caribbean casserole is usually served with a simple salad, slices of ripe avocado, and nowadays some people enjoy it with coleslaw as a side. Don’t forget to have a cold glass of Maubie.
