Chicken is arguably the most accepted meat in the world, and there are private recipes for cooking chicken all over the world. Far away in the Caribbean Sea in Central America, under the clear blue sea view sky, chicken is not only a must-have ingredient on the daily table of the people of the island country, but also a proud national dish.
Isla de La Española, located in the east of Cuba, is the first European colony in the Americas after Columbus discovered the New World in the 15th century. Dominica and Haiti are neighbors on the east and west sides, but their historical development has different trajectories, not only in terms of language, ethnicity, and economy, but also in their own unique food cultures.
Pica Chicken 多米尼加炸鸡
If you visit the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic to the east, you will often see a restaurant with a "Pica Pollo" signboard on the road, and a big smiling chicken greets all the customers on the road. This is the Dominican favorite fast food fried chicken, the skin is crispy, juicy, tender and soft, and paired with the popular local fried plantain cake, sprinkled with tomato sauce, it has become a daily must-eat delicacy for Dominicans.
The biggest difference between Pica Pollo and American fried chicken is that the chicken is boiled first, not just blanched, but cooked with lemon juice, garlic, and condiments until the chicken is tender, then coated in powdered and quickly fried until golden crispy.
Haitian-Style Fried Chicken 海地炸鸡
Still, for Haiti, which briefly ruled Minnican Canada on the west side of the island, Haitians certainly prefer their own version of fried chicken. Compared with Pica Pollo in Dominica, onions and cloves are used in spices. In addition, Haitians do not cook the chicken first, but marinate the spices and fry it without a coat, faithfully presenting the chicken as it is. Before eating Haitian fried chicken, it is recommended to squeeze fresh lemon juice to bring out the charming tropical aroma of the chicken.
While fried chicken grabs the stomachs of the people of both countries on the Big Island, Jamaica next door has a grilled chicken dish that is not only a source of pride for locals, but also spreads around the world, and has repeatedly sparked controversy.
Jerk Chicken 牙买加烤鸡
If you want to talk about the most characteristic chicken dish in the Caribbean, Jerk Chicken on the island of Jamaica is definitely a deserved, not only a Jamaican glory, but also a global favorite. However, the name of Jerk Chicken cannot be translated into English as "Jerk Chicken", the so-called "Jerk" actually comes from the South American word Quechuan, referring to Jamaica's unique method of roasting.
The culinary story begins in the 17th century, when the island of Jamaica was a British colony, and some African slaves who were transported to Jamaica escaped and then hid in the mountains of Jamaica, gradually assimilating into the local aboriginal life, and developing a unique barbecue technique to adapt to the new environment.
The first thing that comes to mind is a mixture of allspices, Scotch bonnet chillies, star anise, cinnamon and other dry spices, which are spread on the meat and marinated. The traditional cooking method is to wrap banana leaves and burn allspice wood for a long period of time. Although the meat looks like it is covered with a layer of black charcoal, the taste is very seductive, and you can taste the tender meat, rich smoky and spice aroma, powerful spiciness, and rich fantasy flavor.
Not authentic enough, waiting to be scolded!
Almost all meat and seafood can be jerked, but the most popular and delicious is chicken. Authentic Jamaican roast chicken, the accompaniment of the partner is also important, and Jamaicans are sure to eat Basmati Rice and kidney beans. Don't underestimate these two side dishes, IKEA once launched a Jamaican roast chicken set at the on-site restaurant, but was scolded for choosing the wrong rice and beans.
The so-called tree is a big move, as long as it is popular, the delicious aura of Jamaican roast chicken has also been used by British TV celebrity chef Jamie. Borrowed by Jamie Oliver, his brand has launched a microwave food "Punchy Jerk Rice", the product name is marked with "Jerk", which seems to represent the flavor inspired by Jamaican smoked and roasted spices.
Jamaicans around the world are almost outraged by Oliver's move, believing that his microwave rice has completely stolen Jamaican spice-smoked culture, and that he is an out-and-out jerk "Jerk". In the face of a sea of negative reviews, Jamie. Oliver responds that this is not the original Jamaican cuisine, but only the inspiration for its development.
It seems that you have to get Jamaican roast chicken if you want to eat authentic Jamaican chicken. If you're on vacation in the Caribbean, try these three chicken feasts for a taste of the warmth of the island.