Trinidadian Pepper Chicken

Trinidadian Pepper Chicken Recipe - Spicy and Savory Dish from Trinidad and Tobago

Region / culture: Trinidad and Tobago | Servings: 4

Introduction

Trinidadian Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. This dish is a popular choice in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices.

History

Trinidadian Pepper Chicken has its roots in the diverse culinary traditions of Trinidad and Tobago. This dish combines Indian spices with local ingredients to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into small pieces
4 tbsp of freshly ground pepper
3 tbsp of coconut paste
2 tsp chilli powder
2 tsp cumin powder
3 tsp dhania
0.5 tsp turmeric
2 large onions, sliced finely
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
2 – 3 cardamoms
2 tomatoes, cut into small cubes
1 tomato, blended to a smooth paste
3 tbsp cooking oil or ghee (clarified butter)

Blend to a smooth paste

1 piece ginger
2 – 3 garlic cloves

How to prepare

Marinate the chicken in 2 tbsp of salt and 2 tbsp of pepper for 30 minutes. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl.
In a large pan, fry the chicken using 0.25 cup of oil. Drain the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pan, fry the onions in the remaining oil until they turn translucent.
Add the cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom to the pan and fry for a minute.
Now add the ginger-garlic paste and fry until the paste turns brown.
Add the spices (red chilli powder, etc) and stir for a minute.
Next, add the tomato, coconut paste, and the remaining pepper to the pan.
Fry for a while until the whole mixture loses all moisture.
Now add the tomato paste.
Add the chicken pieces and stir until all the chicken is well coated with the masala.
Add 1-2 cups of water and cover the pan for 10 minutes.
If desired, you can add more water to achieve a gravy consistency.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped coriander leaves.
You can enjoy this dish with either roti or plain rice/dal.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes for added texture and flavor.
Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.

- Adjust the amount of pepper and spices to suit your personal taste preferences.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Trinidadian Pepper Chicken with roti or plain rice and dal for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor.

- Fry the chicken until golden brown for a crispy texture.

- Simmer the chicken in the masala to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee or vegetable oil instead of clarified butter.

- Substitute ground pepper with black pepper powder.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Trinidadian Pepper Chicken with fresh coriander leaves and serve in a decorative serving dish for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Trinidadian Pepper Chicken with a refreshing cucumber salad or a cooling raita to balance out the heat of the spices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Trinidadian Pepper Chicken is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Trinidadian Pepper Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for spice lovers. With a perfect balance of flavors and a touch of heat, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking through the bustling streets of Port of Spain, Trinidad. The air was filled with the tantalizing scents of spices and herbs, and my stomach rumbled with hunger.

I had always been drawn to the vibrant and diverse food culture of Trinidad, and I eagerly sought out new recipes to add to my collection. As I wandered through the crowded market stalls, I came across a small, unassuming booth run by an elderly woman.

She had a twinkle in her eye and a warm smile on her face as she beckoned me over. "Come, come, young lady," she said in a lilting Trinidadian accent. "I have something special for you."

Intrigued, I approached her booth and watched as she deftly chopped, stirred, and seasoned a large pot of simmering chicken. The fragrant aroma of spices filled the air, and my mouth began to water.

"What are you making, ma'am?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"This, my dear, is Trinidadian Pepper Chicken," she replied with a grin. "A recipe passed down through generations in my family. Would you like to learn how to make it?"

I eagerly nodded, and the elderly woman graciously invited me to join her in the cooking process. As we worked together, she shared stories of her childhood in Trinidad and the rich culinary traditions of the island.

She explained that Trinidadian Pepper Chicken was a dish beloved for its bold flavors and fiery kick. It was often served at family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions, bringing people together with its delicious taste and aromatic spices.

I listened intently as she revealed the secret ingredients that made this dish so unique – a blend of fiery scotch bonnet peppers, pungent garlic, tangy lime juice, and fragrant herbs like thyme and cilantro.

As we cooked, she showed me the proper technique for marinating the chicken, allowing it to soak up all the flavors before searing it to perfection in a hot skillet. The tantalizing sizzle of the chicken as it cooked filled the air, and I could hardly wait to taste the final result.

Finally, the Trinidadian Pepper Chicken was ready, and we eagerly sat down to enjoy our meal. The first bite was a revelation – tender, succulent chicken bursting with spicy, savory flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I savored each mouthful, marveling at the complexity of the dish and the skill with which it had been prepared. The elderly woman beamed with pride as she watched me enjoy her creation, passing on a piece of her culinary heritage to a new generation.

As I bid her farewell and made my way back through the bustling streets of Port of Spain, I knew that I had uncovered a true gem in the form of Trinidadian Pepper Chicken. It was a recipe that would become a cherished part of my own collection, a reminder of the warm hospitality and rich cultural tapestry of Trinidad.

And so, with each fragrant bite of Trinidadian Pepper Chicken that I savored in the days to come, I would be transported back to that warm summer day in Port of Spain, where a kind-hearted stranger had shared with me the secret to a truly unforgettable dish.