Colombo Carré Creole

Introduction to Colombo Carré Creole

The Colombo Carré Creole is a tantalizing dish hailing from the lush Caribbean islands, known for its vivid flavor and aromatic zest. This dish, often referred to simply as "Colombo," reflects the vibrant melting pot of cultures in the Caribbean by melding Indian, African, and French culinary influences into one captivating stew. The star of the dish is the yellow Colombo powder, akin to curry powder, lauded for its rich blend of turmeric, coriander, and cumin. The inception of Colombo Carré Creole is traced back to Indian laborers who arrived in the French West Indies during the 19th century, bringing with them the spices and culinary techniques that would come to define this dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken
• Colombo Powder
• Garlic
• Onion
• Coconut Milk
• Zucchini
• Eggplant
• Carrot
• Potato
• Bay Leaf
• Thyme
• Ginger
• Vegetable Oil
• Lime
• Salt
• Black Pepper

Preparation

To create Colombo Carré Creole, begin by marinating the chicken pieces with freshly squeezed lime juice, ginger, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let this sit for at least an hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to infuse thoroughly. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables by dicing the onion, zucchini, eggplant, carrot, and potato.

Cooking Process

1. Heat some vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces, browning them gently to lock in the marinade's flavor.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Introduce the remaining chopped vegetables - zucchini, eggplant, carrot, and potato - and sauté these with a few sprigs of thyme and a bay leaf.
5. Stir in the coveted Colombo Powder, coating the vegetables thoroughly to release its fragrant aroma.
6. Return the browned chicken back to the pot, ensuring each piece is nestled amongst the vegetables and spice blend.
7. Pour in the coconut milk for a creamy consistency and bring to a simmer.
8. Lower the heat and cover the pot, allowing the dish to cook gently for about 30-45 minutes. Use a cooking timer to track this period.
9. Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

Enjoying Your Colombo Carré Creole

To enjoy the multifaceted Colombo Carré Creole, serve it over a bed of steaming white rice, which soaks up the rich and spiced broth wonderfully. Pair it with a side salad of crisp greens to balance the dish's spiciness. This meal is best savored with family and friends, accompanied by a cool glass of sorrel or tamarind juice to complete the authentic Caribbean tapestry of flavors.