Gracefoods

Callaloo is a green vegetable traditionally used in Jamaica for breakfast, especially with salt fish, fried dumplings, yam and banana. It is a rich source of nutrients, particularly minerals, vitamins A, B and C, protein, iron, riboflavin, ascorbic acid and amino acid.

As Jamaicans get more health conscious, Callalloo is being seen as important to our diet and its benefits are now more fully appreciated. Because it’s abundant and inexpensive its use is growing. One result of this is that Callallo is no longer just a side dish, simply sautéed or steamed. More often these days, it is turning up as the main ingredient in a variety of dishes, and even as a health drink.

Callallo quiche is a favorite starter or appetitizer, especially as a cocktail h'orderve. Increasingly, people are making Callallo quiche even for their home dinners. Some folks mix it with cheese and create a tasty dip for chips or crackers. Another delicious h'orderve made with this vegetable is Callaloo Cups , where it is mixed with cheese, diced bologna and egg.

Callallo is also the central ingredient in Pepperpot, a spicy and extremely tasty tropical soup that is found in most islands of the Caribbean.

Many Jamaicans make Callaloo Rice as an alternative to the boring white rice we eat most times. Others do a Callaloo cook-up, where seasoned Callaloo and rice are mixed with salt fish or pork pieces for flavour. The Trinidadians cook down Callaloo in coconut milk, okras and hot pepper, then blend it into a thick gravy to be eaten with rice.

There are many other ways to use Callaloo that you should find appetizing. Callaloo Chicken Fry Stir, Earth Chef Veggie Mince Lasagna and Butter Poached Spiny Lobster Medallion are main dish ideas that make good use of Callaloo. It is also a great filling, especially for steamed fish. Thinking beyond seafood, you can use Callaloo filling for roast chicken or turkey. Don’t want callaloo be the centre of attention? Try Coconut Spiced Vegetables with a heavy portion of Callaloo for a winner on any menu.

And guess what! There’s also callaloo juice!! Now that may be a bit over the top for those who aren’t vegetarians. But at least give it a try!

While these recipe ideas aren’t new, we hope they will remind you of the many food options and variety you have with this Jamaican favourite and that you will be inspired to put more Callaloo in your diet.