side dish
Recipes good to serve as side dish to the main course.
Smoky bean and herb mash
This smoky bean and herb mash is like mashed potatoes’ earthy, protein-packed cousin. Soft white or pinto beans are gently simmered with garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then mashed until they’re creamy with just enough texture left to feel rustic. A pinch of smoked paprika ties it all together, giving the mash a subtle campfire depth that makes it taste like it’s been slow-cooked over coals.
Roasted breadfruit (basic recipe)
Roasted breadfruit is a simple, wholesome dish popular in Caribbean and Pacific cuisines. With its naturally starchy texture and mild flavor, it transforms beautifully in the oven, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, making it a perfect side or hearty, plant-based main.
Roasted breadfruit pieces
Roasting breadfruit in wedges or pieces is faster and the results are crispier.
Peas and grits (Bahamas)
A hearty and flavorful dish, Bahamian peas and grits combine creamy, buttery grits with seasoned pigeon peas.
Sweet potato casserole (Bahamas)
A delightful blend of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, cream, eggs, and warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. Baked until set and optionally topped with toasted mini marshmallows, this dish offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.
Red beans and rice
A flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish that combines the richness of coconut-infused rice with the hearty texture of red beans.
Traditionally, this dish is prepared by cooking rice in coconut milk alongside red beans, creating a creamy and aromatic base. The inclusion of ingredients like garlic, thyme, and sometimes spicy elements like Scotch bonnet peppers adds depth and a subtle heat to the dish
Butternut squash with walnuts
A simple yet delicious dish that highlights the natural sweetness of roasted squash and the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts. Whether served smooth and mashed or slightly chunky, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy butternut squash with minimal effort.
Dumplings
Doughy pieces served in soups and stews. Dumplings are usually boiled in the broth or sauce, but dumplings can also be cooked apart and added to the soup at the end.
Peas 'n rice (Bahamas)
No exploration of Caribbean cuisine would be complete without a taste of one of its most beloved dishes This recipe is the Bahamian style.
Shopska salad
Shopska Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that hails from Bulgaria. It's made with fresh, seasonal vegetables, and it's perfect for a light meal or as a side dish.