St. Maarten Mosaic
Introduction
The St. Maarten Mosaic is a delectable dish inspired by the vibrant flavors and unique ingredients endemic to the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. This dish captures the essence of the region's culinary heritage, blending French, Dutch, African, and Caribbean influences into a harmonious "mosaic" of tastes and textures. Historically, the island’s cuisine has been shaped by its colonial past and its access to a diverse range of spices and fresh ingredients.
Renowned for its colorful presentation and rich, savory flavors, the St. Maarten Mosaic features a variety of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices. It's an iconic dish that reflects the island's rich culture and is often served during festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- Mahi Mahi (2 fillets)
- Shrimp (12 large pieces)
- Scallops (8 pieces)
- Lime (2, juiced)
- Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped)
- Mango (1, diced)
- Pineapple (1/2, diced)
- Red Onion (1, finely chopped)
- Coconut Milk (1 cup)
- Jerk Seasoning (2 tbsp)
- Olive Oil (3 tbsp)
- Plantains (2, sliced)
- Basil (1/4 cup, chopped)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Chili Pepper (1, chopped)
- Sea Salt (1 tsp)
- Black Pepper (1 tsp)
Preparation Steps
Marinating the Seafood
In a large bowl, combine the mahi mahi, shrimp, and scallops. Add the juice of the limes, olive oil, and jerk seasoning. Toss the seafood until it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend.
Preparing the Salsa
In a medium bowl, combine the mango, pineapple, and red onion. Add in the chopped cilantro, basil, and chili pepper, then mix well. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Seafood and Plantains
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sear the marinated mahi mahi fillets and scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In a separate pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and fry the plantains until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Assembly
To assemble the St. Maarten Mosaic, place the cooked mahi mahi fillets on a serving platter. Arrange the shrimp and scallops evenly around the fish. Spoon the tropical salsa over the seafood, ensuring generous coverage.
Drizzle the coconut milk over the entire platter, allowing it to blend with the salsa and seafood juices. Arrange the fried plantains around the edges of the platter to serve as a crispy, sweet contrast.
Enjoying the St. Maarten Mosaic
The St. Maarten Mosaic is best enjoyed with friends and family in a relaxed, convivial setting. Pair this dish with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or your favorite tropical cocktail, such as a mojito or piña colada, to enhance the vibrant flavors. If you fancy a bit more spice, serve with extra jerk seasoning on the side.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors – the succulent seafood is complemented by the juicy fruit salsa and creamy coconut milk, while the crispy plantains provide a sweet and savory contrast.
Time your preparation effectively with a cooking timer, ensuring everything is perfectly cooked and ready to savor. The freshness of the ingredients combined with the smoky taste of the jerk seasoning will transport your taste buds to the tropical paradise of St. Maarten.