Vegetable Rundown

English: The Jamaican national dish of ackee and saltfish. Side dish-fabulous cole slaw! Ackee is a fruit, but tastes like scrambled eggs. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Juvy S. Iliwiliw

"Rundown" (also called "oiled down" or "oil dong") is a classic stew served throughout the islands, often using saltfish or mackerel. Stories proliferate as to where the term comes from, but Jamaicans say "cook it down" when they mean to cook something for a long time. This vegetarian take is luxurious and satisfying.
You can serve this vegetable rundown as a side dish or over rice as an entree'.

Fish Fillets en Escovitch

Escabeche de Albacora (Photo credit: jlastras)

By Juvy S. Iliwiliw

Escovitch is the Jamaican name for escabeche, the Spanish dish of cooked fish topped with a spicy marinade. Here, mahi-mahi is used instead of the traditional red snapper, but halibut or striped bass would also work well.

Herbed Codfish Cakes

Fritters (Photo credit: hoveringdog)

By Juvy S. Iliwiliw

These are similar to fritters, but much easier to make because they're pan-fried instead of deep-fried. Dried salt cod are sold in the refrigerated section of some supermarkets, at Italian markets, and at Spanish markets while bonnet or habanero chile, small and extremely hot chiles are available at some supermarkets and at Latin markets. These are just two of the main ingredients that will completely make up your herbed codfish cakes.

Curried Goat Stew

Image of Curry Goat and rice at Notting Hill Carnival 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Juvy S. Iliwiliw

Goat is often used in Caribbean home cooking, but this dish is also delicious made with beef. Look for goat meat at Latin markets or special-order it from a butcher. Goat meat is also available online nowadays so you can cook curried goat stew in an instant.