Trini River lime

Interesting, unstimulating, bland and even boring some would agree are actually suitable adjectives that describe 'rice.' Rice however,forms one of the basic food of the population in the tropics. An Indian style of rice fondly referred to as ‘Gilaa Bhaat’ is one such form of rice that is sure to leave you wanting. ‘Gilaa Bhaat’ literally translate to ‘soft, sticky, rice.’ This rice can be easily cooked and compliments any other dish. It is however great with curry duck . Cook time is approximately thirty-forty minutes (30-40mins). There are many variations to its preparation but the simplest process is to boil the  ‘white rice,’  adding salt to taste.  As the water evaporates and the rice becomes very soft,shadow beni chipped   in small pieces almost as if it is blended  and a preferred amount of margarine(optional) is added to the mix giving it a duality of colours and a rich, creamy appearance.  This taste is a "repeat" among those who use it a...

Cooking a curry duck is an ultimate part of a "Trini river lime." You may be wondering why Curry duck? One of the most prominent reasons is because it couples well with almost anything on the menu and lets not deny it "Trini's love their curry." So how is curry duck prepared? The duck has to be seasoned with Trinidad's local herbs shadow beni, cilantro, onion ,garlic, pimentos, rose mary ,hot peppers and leaves of the Murraya Koenigii known locally as "karapolay."  There are different methods of cooking,one of the favorite is a good "Chunkay" which originated from the indentured labourers. A local recipe can look like this. Ingredients to cook 6 pimento peppers, chopped 1 hot pepper 1/2 onion, sliced 6 methi seeds (fenugreek) 1 tbsp curry 1/2 tbsp saffron (Turmeric) 1 tbsp amchar masala, divided water for curry mixture + water for cooking 1 hot pepper   2 cups coconut milk   2 tbsp oil While the ...

Curry duck is a traditional cooking recipe starting from the days of Colonialism. It started by cooking the lagoon Duck or Yard duck on Sundays or when family or important people came to visit. The head of the household would provide this and other menus to show appreciation for their visit. Ducks were in abundance but their use was regulated, almost all families reared ducks in their backyards. As the Island moved into Independence and then a Republic, the cooking and rearing habits of the ducks changed. Not many people reared ducks in their backyard although it still occurs, these yard ducks are fed edible kitchen waste, garden products and in some cases duck feed. They roam freely eating other bits and pieces of everything they find. The majority of ducks are now reared on Duck farms to meet the existing demands. They are fed on feed specially made for their rapid growth and are clustered in small areas about 1.5 ft square. Their grow out (when they are ready for market...

The outdoors and aroma from the burning wood adds flavor to the pots and excitement to the lime. It encourages our taste buds to water, men to show of their cooking skills and culture of improvising by using nature. Families will transport cooking gas, stoves, water and ingredients for cooking. Fire is started on arrival. The three ring cracker is the most popular since it  withstands any weather condition and enables quick cooking results because of the ability to create high heat. Some people use  innovative ways to capture the aroma of burning wood in the food being cook, they place dry burning wood on the side of the pot being cooked by the gas, so that the smoke from the wood seasons the pot giving a unique flavor. Wood such as "Padu", "Guava" and Cherry are mostly used. Their is also cooking on  three stones or any structure that can hold the pot securely while maintaining six inches from the ground to enable easy access of placing fire...

Trinidad is a small island situated in the Caribbean, Its population is about  1, 363 760 people. It is influenced by its history which include colonialism, slavery and indentureship. Today we boast of our mixed culture and heritage due to the influences of our past.                                                                                We have many n otable activities that are celebrated by all some being religious like Divali, Eid - ul - Fitir ,Christmas some that shows significance of our different cultures and races like spiritual Baptist, Indian arrival,  Emancipation even Chinese holiday. One of our embracing activity that seems to originate on the island and is enjoyed by all is the "River Lime." A "river lime" consists of groups of friends and family c...