Trinidadian recipes are not just like any other dishes. They come with loads of love, lust, aroma, and anything contagious that can make you eat and eat all day without taking a breath. These 25 Trinidadian recipes are my favorite to make.
From the spicy kick of curry to the sweet embrace of coconut, each dish tells a story of cultural fusion and culinary magic.
1. Pelau (Rice with Pigeon Peas and Chicken)
Bold and savory with a hint of coconut sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs ($5.99/lb)
- Rice ($2.50/lb)
- Pigeon peas ($1.99/can)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
- Thyme ($1.50/bunch)
- Brown sugar ($2.99/lb)
- Vegetable oil ($3.99/bottle)
Instructions
Cook time: 45 minutes
- First things first, season that chicken! Throw some salt, pepper, and your fave herbs on those thighs.
- Heat up some oil in a big pot and toss in a spoonful of brown sugar. Let it get all caramel-y and dark.
- Add the chicken and let it brown. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
- Toss in your chopped onions and garlic. Let them get all fragrant and yummy.
- Dump in the rice and pigeon peas. Give it all a good stir.
- Pour in that coconut milk and some water. Yaaas, creamy goodness!
- Throw in some thyme sprigs for extra flavor.
- Cover and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and fluffy. Patience is key, sis!
- Fluff it up with a fork and serve. It’s gonna be straight fire!
2. Curry Chicken
Spicy, aromatic, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces ($5.99/lb)
- Curry powder ($3.99/jar)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
- Ginger ($1.99/lb)
- Potatoes ($2.99/lb)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Hot pepper ($0.50 each)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Season the chicken with salt and let it chill for a bit.
- In a big pot, heat some oil and add your curry powder. Let it sizzle and get fragrant.
- Toss in your chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. It’s gonna smell amazing!
- Add the chicken and let it brown. This is where the flavor party starts!
- Pour in some water or coconut milk, add your potatoes, and let it simmer.
- Throw in a hot pepper if you’re feeling spicy (remove before serving if you can’t handle the heat).
- Let it cook until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick.
- Serve over rice and prepare for your taste buds to be shook!
3. Roti (Dhalpuri) with Curry
Soft, flaky bread filled with a savory split pea mixture.
Ingredients: For the roti:
- All-purpose flour ($2.99/lb)
- Split peas ($1.99/lb)
- Cumin ($3.99/jar)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
- Oil ($3.99/bottle)
For the curry (choose your fave from above)
Instructions
Cook time: 1.5 hours
- Start by cooking the split peas until they’re soft. Drain and grind them up.
- Mix the ground peas with cumin and garlic for the filling.
- Make a dough with flour, water, and a little oil. Let it rest.
- Divide the dough into balls, flatten them, and stuff with the pea mixture.
- Roll out each stuffed ball into a thin circle.
- Cook on a hot tawa or skillet, brush with oil, and flip until golden.
- Serve hot with your choice of curry. It’s a whole vibe!
4. Callaloo
Creamy, earthy, and slightly bitter.
Ingredients:
- Dasheen leaves ($3.99/bunch)
- Okra ($2.99/lb)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
- Pumpkin ($1.99/lb)
- Crab ($8.99/lb)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Wash and chop those dasheen leaves.
- Throw everything in a pot with some water.
- Let it simmer until the leaves are tender.
- Blend it up until smooth.
- Season to taste and serve hot. It’s that easy!
5. Stew Chicken
Rich, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Chicken pieces ($5.99/lb)
- Brown sugar ($2.99/lb)
- Worcestershire sauce ($3.50/bottle)
- Tomato ketchup ($2.99/bottle)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
Instructions
Cook time: 45 minutes
- Season the chicken with salt and let it marinate.
- Heat oil in a pot and caramelize some brown sugar.
- Add the chicken and let it brown.
- Toss in your aromatics and sauces.
- Add water and let it simmer until the chicken is tender.
- Serve over rice and thank me later.
6. Macaroni Pie
Cheesy, creamy, with a crispy top.
Ingredients:
- Macaroni ($1.99/box)
- Cheddar cheese ($4.99/lb)
- Eggs ($3.99/dozen)
- Milk ($3.50/gallon)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Cook the macaroni until al dente.
- Mix with grated cheese, beaten eggs, and milk.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top with more cheese because why not?
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
7. Doubles (Curry Chickpeas with Bara)
Spicy, savory chickpeas sandwiched between soft, fried bread.
Ingredients:
- Chickpeas ($1.99/can)
- Flour ($2.99/lb)
- Curry powder ($3.99/jar)
- Turmeric ($3.50/jar)
- Cumin ($3.99/jar)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Make a dough with flour, turmeric, and water.
- Let it rest, then form into small balls and fry until puffy.
- Cook chickpeas with curry and spices until thick.
- Sandwich the curry between two baras.
- Devour immediately. It’s street food heaven!
8. Bake and Shark
Crispy fried shark in soft, pillowy bread.
Ingredients:
- Shark fillet ($12.99/lb)
- Flour ($2.99/lb)
- Yeast ($4.99/jar)
- Tamarind sauce ($3.99/bottle)
- Coleslaw ($2.99/lb)
Instructions
Cook time: 1.5 hours
- Make a dough with flour, yeast, and water. Let it rise.
- Season the shark and fry until golden.
- Bake the bread until puffy.
- Slice bread, add shark, and pile on the toppings.
- Wrap it up and prepare for flavor town!
9. Coconut Bake and Buljol
Soft, coconutty bread paired with spicy, tangy fish.
Ingredients:
- Flour ($2.99/lb)
- Coconut ($3.99/lb)
- Salt fish ($6.99/lb)
- Tomatoes ($2.99/lb)
- Peppers ($1.99/lb)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Mix flour, grated coconut, and water to form a dough.
- Bake until golden.
- Flake salt fish and mix with chopped veggies.
- Serve the buljol with warm coconut bake.
- It’s simple but so good!
10. Oil Down
Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Breadfruit ($3.99 each)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Salted meat ($7.99/lb)
- Callaloo leaves ($3.99/bunch)
- Dumplings ($2.99/pack)
Instructions
Cook time: 1.5 hours
- Layer breadfruit, meat, and veggies in a pot.
- Pour in coconut milk and water.
- Add dumplings on top.
- Simmer until everything’s tender and the liquid’s absorbed.
- Stir it up and get ready for flavor heaven!
11. Curry Goat
Rich, spicy, and fall-off-the-bone tender.
Ingredients:
- Goat meat ($8.99/lb)
- Curry powder ($3.99/jar)
- Potatoes ($2.99/lb)
- Scotch bonnet pepper ($0.50 each)
- Ginger ($1.99/lb)
Instructions
Cook time: 2 hours
- Marinate goat in curry and spices overnight.
- Brown the meat in a pot.
- Add water and simmer until tender.
- Throw in potatoes near the end.
- Serve over rice and prepare to be amazed.
12. Crab and Dumplings
Sweet crab meat in a savory broth with fluffy dumplings.
Ingredients:
- Blue crabs ($12.99/lb)
- Flour ($2.99/lb)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Clean and season the crabs.
- Make a simple dumpling dough with flour and water.
- Cook crabs in seasoned coconut milk.
- Drop in dumplings and let them steam.
- Serve hot and get ready for a messy, delicious meal!
13. Pastelles
Savory meat filling wrapped in cornmeal dough.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef ($5.99/lb)
- Cornmeal ($2.99/lb)
- Raisins ($3.99/lb)
- Olives ($3.50/jar)
- Banana leaves ($2.99/pack)
Instructions
Cook time: 2 hours
- Mix seasoned meat with raisins and olives.
- Make a cornmeal dough.
- Spread dough on banana leaves, add filling, and fold.
- Steam until cooked through.
- Unwrap and enjoy your little pockets of joy!
14. Provision (Boiled Root Vegetables)
Hearty, starchy, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Cassava ($2.99/lb)
- Sweet potato ($1.99/lb)
- Green plantain ($0.99/lb)
- Dasheen ($3.99/lb)
- Salt ($1.50/box)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Peel and chop all your root veggies.
- Throw them in a pot with salted water.
- Boil until tender but not mushy.
- Drain and serve hot with your favorite protein.
- Simple, but oh so good!
15. Curry Duck
Rich, gamey, and deeply spiced.
Ingredients:
- Duck ($7.99/lb)
- Curry powder ($3.99/jar)
- Potatoes ($2.99/lb)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Hot pepper ($0.50 each)
Instructions
Cook time: 1.5 hours
- Marinate duck pieces in curry and spices.
- Brown the duck in a pot.
- Add coconut milk and water, and simmer until tender.
- Throw in potatoes near the end.
- Serve over rice and prepare for a flavor explosion!
16. Sancoche (Split Pea Soup)
Thick, hearty, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Split peas ($1.99/lb)
- Pig tail ($4.99/lb)
- Pumpkin ($1.99/lb)
- Corn on the cob ($0.50 each)
- Dumplings ($2.99/pack)
Instructions
Cook time: 2 hours
- Soak split peas overnight. Trust, it’s worth it.
- Throw peas, pig tail, and veggies in a pot with water.
- Let it simmer until everything’s tender.
- Add dumplings and cook until they float.
- Season to taste and serve hot. It’s soup for the soul!
17. Pholourie (Fried Split Pea Balls)
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a hint of cumin. It’s addictive AF.
Ingredients:
- Split pea flour ($2.99/lb)
- Cumin ($3.99/jar)
- Turmeric ($3.50/jar)
- Garlic powder ($2.99/jar)
- Tamarind sauce ($3.99/bottle)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Mix flour with spices and water to make a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a deep pot. Safety first, sis!
- Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown.
- Serve hot with tamarind sauce. Try not to eat them all at once!
18. Aloo Pie (Potato-Filled Fried Bread)
Crispy outside, fluffy potato inside.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour ($2.99/lb)
- Potatoes ($2.99/lb)
- Cumin ($3.99/jar)
- Chili powder ($2.99/jar)
- Oil for frying ($3.99/bottle)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Make a dough with flour and water. Let it rest.
- Boil and mash potatoes with spices.
- Roll out dough, fill with potato mixture and seal edges.
- Fry until golden brown.
- Serve hot with chutney. It’s street food heaven!
19. Corn Soup
Sweet, creamy, with a kick of spice.
Ingredients:
- Corn on the cob ($0.50 each)
- Split peas ($1.99/lb)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Hot pepper ($0.50 each)
- Dumplings ($2.99/pack)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Cut the corn off the cob. Save those cobs!
- Simmer cobs with split peas until peas are soft.
- Add corn kernels, coconut milk, and dumplings.
- Throw in a whole hot pepper for a kick.
- Cook until the dumplings are done. Slurp and enjoy!
20. Bhagi Rice (Spinach Rice)
Fragrant, slightly bitter, with a pop of garlic. It’s like spinach got a glow-up.
Ingredients:
- Spinach ($2.99/bunch)
- Rice ($2.50/lb)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
- Onion ($0.99 each)
- Coconut oil ($5.99/jar)
Instructions (Cook time: 30 minutes):
- Sauté garlic and onion in coconut oil.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in rice and water.
- Cover and cook until rice is fluffy.
- Fluff with a fork and serve. Green never tasted so good!
21. Curried Mango
Tangy, spicy, with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Green mangoes ($1.99/lb)
- Curry powder ($3.99/jar)
- Cumin ($3.99/jar)
- Sugar ($2.99/lb)
- Hot pepper ($0.50 each)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Peel and chop mangoes into chunks.
- Heat oil, add curry powder and cumin.
- Toss in mangoes and stir to coat.
- Add water, sugar, and hot pepper.
- Simmer until mangoes are tender. Sweet, spicy, and everything nice!
22. Chow Mein (Trinidadian Style)
Savory, slightly sweet, with a Caribbean twist.
Ingredients:
- Chow mein noodles ($2.99/pack)
- Chicken breast ($5.99/lb)
- Soy sauce ($2.99/bottle)
- Mixed vegetables ($2.99/bag)
- Five spice powder ($3.99/jar)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Boil noodles until al dente.
- Stir-fry chicken with five-spice powder.
- Add veggies and cook until tender-crisp.
- Toss in noodles and soy sauce.
- Mix it all up and serve hot. Fusion at its finest!
23. Fried Rice (Trinidadian Style)
Savory, with a hint of sweetness from ketchup.
Ingredients:
- Rice ($2.50/lb)
- Mixed vegetables ($2.99/bag)
- Eggs ($3.99/dozen)
- Soy sauce ($2.99/bottle)
- Ketchup ($2.99/bottle)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Cook rice and let it cool.
- Scramble eggs in a wok.
- Add veggies and stir-fry.
- Toss in rice, soy sauce, and a dollop of ketchup.
- Stir-fry until everything’s hot. It’s not authentic, but it’s delicious!
24. Geera Pork (Cumin Pork)
Earthy, aromatic, with a punch of cumin.
Ingredients:
- Pork chunks ($5.99/lb)
- Cumin seeds ($3.99/jar)
- Garlic ($0.50/head)
- Lime juice ($1.99/bottle)
- Hot pepper ($0.50 each)
Instructions
Cook time: 1 hour
- Toast cumin seeds until fragrant.
- Grind seeds with garlic to make a paste.
- Marinate pork in the paste and lime juice.
- Fry pork until brown and crispy.
- Add a little water and simmer until tender. Cumin never tasted so good!
25. Coconut Curry Shrimp
Creamy, spicy, with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp ($12.99/lb)
- Coconut milk ($2.50/can)
- Curry powder ($3.99/jar)
- Ginger ($1.99/lb)
- Cilantro ($1.50/bunch)
Instructions
Cook time: 30 minutes
- Marinate shrimp in curry powder and ginger.
- Sauté shrimp until pink.
- Add coconut milk and simmer.
- Throw in some chopped cilantro at the end.
- Serve over rice and prepare to be amazed!
Conclusion
These 25 Trinidadian recipes are more than just dishes; they’re a gateway to a world of irresistible flavors and aromas.
