Spiced Caicos Shells

About Spiced Caicos Shells

Spiced Caicos Shells is a delightful dish inspired by the tropical flavors of the Caribbean, particularly the Turks and Caicos Islands. This recipe utilizes the abundant conch seafood found in the region, spiced with aromatic Caribbean seasonings that take your taste buds on an exotic journey. Often served as a main dish during beachside gatherings, Spiced Caicos Shells celebrates the island's rich maritime culture and culinary heritage. The dish bridges tradition and modern cuisine, offering a taste of the Caribbean's vibrant history and its fusion of flavors.

Ingredients

• Conch - 2 lbs, cleaned and diced
• Onion - 1 large, finely diced
• Bell Pepper - 1 large, diced
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper - 1, seeded and finely chopped
• Sea Salt - 1 tsp
• Black Pepper - 1 tsp
• Allspice - 1 tsp
• Thyme - 1 tsp
• Coconut Milk - 1 cup
• Lime - Juice of 2 limes
• Cornmeal - 2 cups
• Olive Oil - 1/4 cup
• Coriander - 1 tbsp, chopped
• Cilantro - 1 tbsp, chopped
• Parsley - 1 tbsp, chopped

Preparation

Before you start cooking, ensure that your conch is thoroughly cleaned and diced. Preparing conch requires time and attention to remove any tough skin and dirt, ensuring only the tender meat is used. You can tenderize the conch further by pounding it gently with a mallet.

Cooking Instructions

Cooking the Conch

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced conch to the pot and stir well to combine.
5. Season with sea salt, black pepper, allspice, and thyme. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the conch is tender and the sauce thickens. If needed, check with a cooking timer.

Preparing the Shells

1. In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
2. Add a pinch of sea salt to the water and stir in the cornmeal gradually, continuously stirring to prevent any lumps.
3. Allow the cornmeal to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it cooks into a thick porridge-like consistency.
4. Remove from heat, and let it cool slightly.

Assembly

1. Once the cornmeal has cooled slightly, mold it into shell shapes using your hands or a mold.
2. Scoop the cooked conch mixture into each shell mold, filling them generously.
3. Garnish with fresh coriander, cilantro, and parsley before serving.

How to Enjoy

The best way to enjoy Spiced Caicos Shells is with a side of vibrant mixed greens or a tropical fruit salad, complementing the rich and spicy flavors of the dish. Pair this meal with a refreshing drink, like a pineapple or coconut cocktail, to further enhance the Caribbean dining experience. Enjoy your meal slowly, savoring each bite to appreciate the layers of flavors that the Caribbean spices bring out in the conch. Whether you serve it as a main course or an appetizer at a gathering, Spiced Caicos Shells is sure to deliver a delightful culinary adventure.