Jamaican cuisine is as vibrant and diverse as the island itself, combining flavors from various cultures into a unique culinary tradition that is both flavorful and distinctive. For visitors to Ocho Rios, delving into the heart of this culinary landscape can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Here at the Taste of Jamaica Farm and Food Tour, we not only offer you a glimpse of our lush medicinal herbal garden and expansive farm, but we also invite you to either learn how to cook traditional Jamaican dishes or to sit back and let us prepare them for you. This article highlights some of the top Jamaican dishes that you can learn to make in our cooking classes, emphasizing the unique techniques and ingredients that make Jamaican food truly special.
1. Jerk Chicken
Jerk is perhaps the most iconic Jamaican dish, known worldwide for its spicy, aromatic, and deeply savory flavor. The secret lies in the jerk marinade, a complex blend of scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, scallions, and various other spices, which is traditionally used to season chicken. During our cooking classes, you’ll learn how to prepare the marinade from scratch, using ingredients right from our garden, and the traditional cooking method over pimento wood, which infuses the meat with a smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
2. Ackee and Saltfish
As Jamaica’s national dish, ackee and saltfish holds a special place in the heart of Jamaican cuisine. This dish features ackee, a unique fruit that, when cooked, bears a resemblance to scrambled eggs in both appearance and texture, paired with salted cod. The dish is seasoned with onions, scotch bonnet peppers, and tomatoes, creating a rich, hearty breakfast or dinner. In our classes, you’ll learn how to safely prepare ackee and perfectly balance the flavors to create a comforting, homey dish that epitomizes Jamaican hospitality.
3. Curried Goat
This flavorful dish is a staple at special events and gatherings in Jamaica. Made with goat meat, which is marinated and then slow-cooked with curry and a blend of spices until tender, curried goat is richly aromatic and satisfying. Our cooking classes cover the techniques needed to achieve the perfect curry blend and the slow-cooking method that ensures the meat is perfectly tender and infused with flavor.
4. Rice and Peas
No Jamaican meal is complete without a side of rice and peas, though the ‘peas’ are actually red kidney beans or sometimes pigeon peas. The rice is cooked with coconut milk, scallion, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper, which all contribute to its flavorful and creamy texture. This dish is not only a staple but also a lesson in the balance of flavors that is crucial to Jamaican cooking.
5. Festival
Festival, a sweet fried dough, is often served alongside spicy dishes as a delightful contrast. Made from a simple dough that includes cornmeal, sugar, and flour, these fried dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re perfect for soaking up rich sauces and balancing out the heat of jerk spices.
In Ocho Rios at the Taste of Jamaica Farm and Food Tour, you can experience these dishes and the rich history and culture they bring with them. Our cooking classes offer a hands-on approach to learning these traditional recipes, using ingredients sourced directly from our farm and garden. Whether you’re stirring a pot of curry or seasoning a batch of jerk chicken, each recipe teaches you not only about Jamaican cooking but also about the sustainable practices that bring these dishes to the table. Join us to uncover the secrets of Jamaican cuisine and take home more than just memories—take home the skills to recreate the magic of Jamaican cooking in your own kitchen.
