Curry is more than just a dish—it’s a love affair. The vibrant colors, rich flavors, and aromatic stories behind each bowlful are a testament to its existence. I’m absolutely obsessed with curry, especially the Caribbean variety. Trinidadian curry chicken, in particular, holds a special place in my heart.
To make this dish, I start with a blend of curry powder and fresh herbs, which form the base of the dish’s flavor profile. The aromatics, like onions, garlic, and ginger, add depth and complexity. I cook these in oil until they’re fragrant and then add the chicken, allowing it to brown slightly before adding water or broth to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
One of the things I love most about Trinidadian curry chicken is its simplicity. It doesn’t require a long list of ingredients or hours of cooking time, yet the flavors are incredibly bold and satisfying. It’s comfort food at its best—warm, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
The promise of its flavors is always delivered, making it a staple in Trinidadian households. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a weeknight dinner with family or a celebration with friends. And for me, it’s a taste of home, a reminder of the flavors and aromas that I grew up with.
Exploring the Flavors of Trinidad
The Caribbean, with its former British colonies like Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago, is renowned for its rich curry heritage. Over the past two centuries, curry has evolved into a symbol of national identity, especially in Trinidad & Tobago.
This culinary journey traces back to the days of the British Empire. When slavery was abolished in the islands around 1834, individuals of African descent left the sugar and cocoa plantations, creating a significant labor crisis for the planters who relied on cheap labor. In response, they sought labor from distant countries, leading to an influx of Indian immigrants eager to escape poverty and famine for a new life.
These Indian immigrants brought not just their labor but also their culture and cuisine. They adapted their traditional dishes to suit the local ingredients, resulting in a cuisine with familiar names but unique flavors. Today, Indo-Trinidadians, comprising 40% of the island’s population, showcase their love for spices like cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and turmeric in their curry powders.
Trinidadian seasonings also feature native ingredients such as Scotch bonnet peppers, culantro, thyme, and cilantro, adding depth and complexity to their dishes. This blend of cultures and flavors has created a unique culinary identity in Trinidad & Tobago, where curry is not just a dish but a celebration of cultural diversity and heritage.
A Taste of Trinidad: The Flavorful World of Curry Chicken
On the islands, people cook meat in various ways, often marinating it in herbs and spices and preparing it as a stew or curry. Sometimes they start by browning the chicken with sugar, other times they use a coconut-based approach, and occasionally they load it with additional vegetables. Here, I’ll introduce you to the simplest method of making curried chicken, requiring only good curry powder and the amazing green seasoning.
Ingredients:
- Chicken: You can use a whole cut-up chicken or any bone-in skinless chicken.
- Onion
- Garlic
- Peppers: We are using jalapeno and habanero.
- Potatoes
- Spices: Curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala powder.
- Green flavoring
What is green flavoring?
Green flavoring is a Caribbean staple, commonly used in soups, stews, and as a marinade for meats and seafood. While the exact ingredients can vary, a typical version includes scallion, garlic, ginger, cilantro, culantro, parsley, thyme, bell peppers, cubanelle peppers, hot peppers, and lemon juice—all blended together to create a vibrant mixture. Even if you’re missing a few ingredients, it still turns out great. You can sometimes find a jarred version in local ethnic markets, but it can’t compare to the freshness and flavor of homemade green flavoring.
Preparing the Island’s Beloved Dish
If you have a bottle of green seasoning ready, it’s a breeze from there. Just marinate the chicken with generous amounts of green seasoning along with salt, pepper, cumin, and curry powder. I never use curry powder in my Indian dishes, but don’t have any qualms using it in any other cuisines if they demand it. Anyways, you can marinate it from a few hours to overnight. When ready to cook, start by sautéing onion, garlic, and jalapenos. Mix curry powder, cumin, garam masala powder, and turmeric in a bowl. Add these spice powders into the onion mixture and stir constantly. You need to cook this spice mixture well for a couple of minutes. Add in 1/4 cup of water to make a slurry and cook for another minute.
Once it starts to thicken up, add in marinated chicken and stir well. Cover and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. By this time, the chicken would release its own juices. Add more water and stir well. Toss in the potatoes and whole habanero pepper, along with some more green seasoning, and continue cooking till the chicken is cooked. That’s it. You are all ready to serve it along with some piping hot basmati rice, or your favorite roti or naan. Isn’t it so much easier than traditional Indian curries? The use of curry powder and prepared seasoning in the refrigerator make for fast and easy cooking… Trinidad style!
Different Approaches to Cooking
You can enhance the flavor by adding a few tomatoes for a tangy twist. We’ve tried it and absolutely love it.
Experiment with different vegetables like carrots, peas, and green beans for added texture and flavor.
For a richer, creamier curry, try incorporating coconut milk. It adds a delightful richness to the dish.
Storing/ Freezing
Curry, like many others, matures with time. You can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, allowing the flavors to intensify. Curried chicken also freezes well for up to three months in an airtight container.
Once you’ve prepared my green seasoning, I knew you’d be eager to try this straightforward curried chicken recipe. Bring the flavors of the islands into your home. While savoring my meal of chicken and rice, my thoughts drifted to the 19th-century Indian laborers who lovingly recreated their favorite dishes in their newfound Trinidadian homes. It’s quite remarkable how food can reflect the journeys people take. I’m grateful to have you with Gypsy Plate on this journey of ours. Thank you, and let’s indulge in some curry!
Conclusion:
Crafting Trinidad Curry Chicken is a culinary adventure that begins with the careful selection and preparation of spices. The key to its flavorful profile lies in the unique blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek, among others. These spices are toasted to release their aromatic oils, enhancing their flavors and infusing the dish with depth.
The chicken is then marinated, allowing the spices to penetrate the meat and tenderize it. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bite is flavorful and succulent. The addition of fresh herbs, such as cilantro and scallions, further enhances the dish’s aroma and freshness.
The cooking process is where the magic truly happens. The marinated chicken is gently simmered in a fragrant curry sauce, which is made from a base of onions, garlic, and tomatoes. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and complex sauce that coats the chicken pieces.
As the curry chicken simmers, the kitchen is filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs, creating an anticipation of the delicious meal to come. The final dish is a vibrant and aromatic curry chicken that is bursting with flavor and complexity.
Traditionally served with rice, roti, or bread, Trinidad Curry Chicken is a dish that is meant to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones. Each bite is a celebration of the rich culinary heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, and a testament to the skill and artistry of its cooks.
FAQ’S
What sets curry chicken apart from curried chicken?
The distinction between the terms “chicken curry” and “curry chicken” often comes down to individual linguistic preferences and regional variations in how people describe the dish. There is no strict rule dictating which term is correct, as both are widely used to refer to the same preparation. This flexibility in language allows for a more inclusive and adaptable approach to describing food, accommodating different cultural and linguistic influences.
What are some ways to incorporate curry powder into cooking?
Curry powder is most commonly used to make curry dishes, but its versatility extends beyond traditional recipes. It can add depth and a distinct curry flavor to a variety of dishes, including vinaigrettes, condiments, rice dishes, vegetable dishes, and even desserts.
Are there distinct varieties or styles of curry?
Some of the most popular types of curries include red, yellow, green, massaman, and panang. These curries vary depending on the region but share some similarities in their makeup, such as the use of chilies, vegetables, and spices.
Is “curry chicken” a common term in Trinidad?
The selection between “chicken curry” or “curry chicken” largely depends on individual linguistic preferences or regional variations in describing the dish. There is no strict rule dictating which term is correct, as both are widely used to refer to the same culinary preparation.
What is the typical spice composition of curry?
There is a wide array of pre-packaged blends of curry powder, each with its own unique composition. However, traditional curry recipes can contain a complex mix of up to 20 different spices and herbs. These may include turmeric, cumin, coriander, sesame seeds, saffron, nutmeg, fennel, cloves, chilies, tamarind, cinnamon, cardamom, and more.
What is the history of curry in Trinidad?
Curry has become an integral part of Trinidadian cuisine, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the island’s culinary landscape. The arrival of curry in Trinidad can be traced back to the Indian indentured laborers who were brought to the island by the British in the 19th century. These laborers brought with them their rich culinary traditions, including the use of curry blends in their cooking. Over time, curry became a staple in Trinidadian kitchens, blending with local ingredients and cooking techniques to create unique and flavorful dishes that are now synonymous with Trinidadian cuisine. Today, Trinidadian curry dishes, such as curry chicken, curry goat, and curry vegetables, are beloved for their bold flavors and aromatic spices, showcasing the vibrant and multicultural nature of Trinidadian food.
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