Blue Draws

Blue Draws Recipe - Jamaican Banana and Coconut Pudding

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Blue Draws, also known as "Duckunoo," "Tie-a-Leaf," or "Blue Drawers," is a traditional Jamaican dessert that has been passed down through generations. This delightful treat is made from a combination of grated bananas, sweet potatoes, coconut, and spices, all wrapped in banana leaves and boiled to perfection. Its unique name is believed to have originated from the bluish hue the banana leaves can impart to the dessert during the cooking process. This recipe is not only a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Jamaica but also a celebration of the creativity and resourcefulness of its people.

History

The origins of Blue Draws can be traced back to the days of slavery in Jamaica when enslaved Africans had to make do with the ingredients available to them. This dessert is a direct descendant of African steamed puddings, adapted by the slaves using local ingredients. Over time, it has evolved, with each generation adding their own twist to the recipe, making it a beloved staple in Jamaican cuisine. The tradition of wrapping the mixture in banana leaves before boiling is a technique that has been preserved over the years, contributing to the dish's distinctive flavor and appearance.

Ingredients

3 cups of grated green bananas
1 cup of grated coconut
2.5 cups of grated sweet potatoes
1 cup of flour
1 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of vanilla
1 tsp of mixed spice
2 cups of coconut milk
1.5 cups of brown sugar

How to prepare

Mix all the ingredients together.
Place one cup of the mixture into quailed banana leaves.
Wrap and tie the mixture with string or banana bark.
Put the small parcels into enough boiling water to cover, and cook for one hour.

Variations

There are several ways to vary the traditional Blue Draws recipe:
Substitute some of the sweet potatoes with pumpkin for a different flavor profile.
Add dried fruits such as raisins or chopped dates for added sweetness and texture.
Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or cinnamon, to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results when making Blue Draws, consider the following tips:

- Grate the bananas, sweet potatoes, and coconut finely for a smoother texture.

- Ensure the banana leaves are clean and pliable before using. Briefly passing them over an open flame can help make them more flexible.

- Wrap the parcels tightly to prevent water from seeping in during boiling.

- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Blue Draws can be served either warm or cold, depending on personal preference. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Blue Draws is the boiling of the wrapped parcels. Ensuring that the water is gently boiling and that there is enough to cover the parcels is crucial for even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make Blue Draws with alternative ingredients:

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version.

- Almond milk or soy milk can substitute coconut milk for those with tree nut allergies.

Make Ahead Tips

Blue Draws can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Presentation Ideas

For an attractive presentation, unwrap the banana leaves and serve the Blue Draws on a colorful plate, garnished with fresh banana slices and a sprinkle of grated coconut.

Pairing Recommendations

Blue Draws pairs beautifully with a cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee or a glass of ginger beer, complementing the dessert's rich flavors with their refreshing and aromatic qualities.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Blue Draws in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To reheat, steam or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Blue Draws can vary in caloric content based on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. On average, a serving can range from 300 to 400 calories, making it a relatively high-energy dessert option.

Carbohydrates

Blue Draws is a carbohydrate-rich dessert, primarily due to the presence of bananas, sweet potatoes, and flour. These ingredients provide the body with energy and are an essential part of a balanced diet. The complex carbohydrates found in sweet potatoes are especially beneficial, offering a slower release of energy compared to simple sugars.

Fats

The main source of fat in Blue Draws comes from the coconut milk and grated coconut. These ingredients contribute to the dessert's creamy texture and rich flavor. Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fats that the body can easily convert into energy.

Proteins

While not a significant source of protein, Blue Draws does contain small amounts from the coconut milk and flour. For a higher protein content, consider serving this dessert with a side of protein-rich foods.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, particularly from the sweet potatoes and bananas. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, while bananas provide potassium and vitamin C. Together, these nutrients support immune function, vision health, and heart health.

Alergens

The primary allergens to be aware of in Blue Draws are gluten (from the flour) and tree nuts (from the coconut). Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, Blue Draws is a nutritious dessert option that provides energy, vitamins, and minerals. However, due to its calorie and sugar content, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Blue Draws is a traditional Jamaican dessert that offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, wrapped in the rich history and culture of the island. This recipe not only provides a delicious treat but also a nutritious one, with its combination of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Whether enjoyed as a special occasion dessert or a comforting snack, Blue Draws is a testament to the enduring legacy of Jamaican cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Blue Draws. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of St. Elizabeth in Jamaica. My grandmother, who we all called Mama Rose, was known for her incredible cooking skills and her vast knowledge of traditional Jamaican recipes. She had a way of bringing people together through her food, and I was always in awe of the delicious dishes she would create in her humble kitchen.

One day, Mama Rose announced that she was going to teach me how to make one of her signature dishes - Blue Draws. I had never heard of it before, but Mama Rose explained that it was a traditional Jamaican dessert made with coconut, cornmeal, and spices. It was a dish that had been passed down through generations in our family, and she was eager to pass on the recipe to me.

We started by gathering all the ingredients we needed - fresh coconut, cornmeal, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mama Rose showed me how to grate the coconut and extract the milk, a skill that required patience and precision. She taught me how to mix the cornmeal with the coconut milk, sugar, and spices, stirring until it formed a smooth batter. Then, we poured the mixture into a pan and placed it in the oven to bake.

As the Blue Draws baked, the sweet scent of coconut and spices filled the kitchen, and I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish. When it was finally ready, Mama Rose cut it into squares and served it warm with a drizzle of sweet condensed milk. The first bite was pure heaven - the creamy coconut, the warm spices, the hint of sweetness. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I watched Mama Rose make Blue Draws countless times, each time learning something new about the process. She taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients, of taking the time to grate the coconut by hand, of tasting the batter to make sure it was just right. She showed me how to adjust the spices to suit my own taste, how to experiment with different flavors and textures.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make Blue Draws for special occasions and gatherings. It became a favorite among my children and grandchildren, who would eagerly gather around the table to enjoy a warm slice of the sweet dessert. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on Mama Rose's legacy to a new generation.

Through the years, I have come to realize that Blue Draws is more than just a dessert - it is a symbol of my family's heritage and traditions, a reminder of the love and care that went into each dish Mama Rose created. It is a connection to my roots, to the flavors and aromas of my childhood, to the memories of a time long gone but never forgotten.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, preparing to make another batch of Blue Draws for my family, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons Mama Rose taught me, for the recipes she shared, for the love she poured into every dish she made. And as I take that first bite of warm, creamy coconut goodness, I know that her spirit lives on in every bite.