Jamaican Banana Porridge

Banana porridge is a Jamaican breakfast classic loved by both kids and adults. This smooth blend of green bananas simmered in coconut milk with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla creates the kind of cozy morning you never forget. It’s quick, affordable, and feels like a love in a bowl.

Ingredients

  • 4 green bananas
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1/2 cup oats or cornmeal (optional, for thickness)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cinnamon leaves
  • 1 nutmeg maize
  • dried orange peel
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or to taste)

Instructions

  • Steep: Add water, cinnamon stick, cinnamon leaves, orange peel, nutmeg maize steep for 10-15 mins .
  • Blend: Peel and slice bananas, then blend with coconut milk and oats until smooth.
  • Pour & Simmer: Pour the mixture into a pot on medium heat. Add salt and evaporated milk and stir continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Cook:  Cover and allow to cook for (about 15–20 minutes) on medium low heat.
  • Flavor: Once cooked turn the stove off. Add vanilla extract , almond spice and nutmeg .
  • Sweeten: Sweeten with condensed milk ( sugar or honey if needed)
  • Serve Warm: Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon .



How to make Jamaican banana porridge


If you grew up on banana porridge, this one will take you straight back home.
Try it and let me know how yours turns out — share your photos and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
Bless up and enjoy every spoonful!

Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish

There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm plate of Ackee and Saltfish — Jamaica’s beloved national dish. Creamy ackee, savory saltfish, and vibrant island seasonings come together to create the ultimate comfort meal . Whether you pair it with fried dumplings, boiled green banana, or roast breadfruit, this dish will bring you straight back to those Sunday-morning kitchen memories.

Authentic Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish

Ingredients

½ lb salted codfish (salted pollock or saltfish)
1 can (19 oz) ackee (drained) or 2 cups fresh ackee (if available)
2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil 4-6 pimento berries
1 small onion, sliced
2 stalks scallion, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
½ green bell pepper, sliced
½ red bell pepper, sliced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely chopped (optional)
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Black pepper, to taste
Pinch of all-purpose seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Saltfish:
    Soak the saltfish overnight or boil for 10–15 minutes to remove excess salt. Drain, flake, and set aside.
  • Sauté the Vegetables:
    Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add pimento berries, onion, scallion, tomato, bell peppers, Scotch bonnet, and thyme. Sauté 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the Saltfish:
    Stir in the flaked saltfish and cook for another 3–4 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • Fold in the Ackee:
    Gently fold in the ackee. Season with black pepper and all-purpose seasoning if desired.
    Cook on low heat for 3–5 minutes, being careful not to mash the ackee.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite sides — boiled green banana, fried dumpling, or roasted breadfruit.
  • Don’t stir too much once you add the ackee — it should stay soft and chunky.

Suggested Sides

  • Fried plantain 🍌
  • Boiled yam & dumpling 🍠
  • Roast breadfruit 🍞

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen! ❤️ If you try this Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish recipe, snap a photo and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram or Facebook — I love seeing your creations! Don’t forget to follow Khalia’s Kuisine for more island-style recipes and Sunday dinner inspiration. 🇯🇲

Jamaican-Style Beef Short Ribs

Deep, slow-braised beef short ribs with real yard vibes—jerk seasoning, garlic, thyme, scallion, pimento, sweet bell pepper, and a splash of Red Label Wine that turns the gravy silky and rich.

Ingredients

(serves 4–6)
3–6lb beef short ribs (English-cut), patted dry
3 Tbsp dry jerk seasoning
1 Tbsp garlic powder 1 tsp Scotch bonnet powder
6 cloves garlic, minced
1–1½ tsp pimento (allspice) — lightly crushed or 8–10 whole berries
6 sprigs thyme 2 medium roma tomatoes/ 2 tbsp tomato paste
4 scallions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, left whole (heat control)
1 cup Red Label Wine or red wine
2 cups beef stock (or water), plus more as needed
2 Tbsp neutral oil
Kosher salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Season (10 minutes + marinate 30 minutes or overnight)
    In a bowl, combine ribs with jerk seasoning, garlic powder, crushed pimento, 1 tsp salt, scotch bonnet pepper.
    Rub well. Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight for deepest flavor).
  2. Sear (8–10 minutes)
    Heat a heavy pot (Dutch oven) over medium-high; add oil.
    Sear ribs on all sides until browned (2–3 min per side). Remove to a plate.
    Tip: Browning is flavor. Don’t crowd the pot—work in batches.
  3. Build the base (2–3 minutes)
    Drop heat to medium. Add tomatoes, minced garlic, onion; stir 30–45 seconds.
    Pour in ½ cup Red Label Wine to deglaze, scraping up brown bits. Reduce by half (about 1 minute). Then Add 2 cups beef broth or water.
  4. Braise (2½–3 hours, mostly hands-off)
    Return ribs to the pot. Add thyme, scallion, pimento berries (if whole), bell pepper, Scotch bonnet, liquid should come ~⅔ up the ribs.
    Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook low and slow until tender:
    Stovetop: Low heat, 2½–3 hours
    Oven: 325°F (163°C), 2½–3 hours
    Turn ribs once halfway through. Check liquid; add splashes of stock/water if needed.
    Doneness: A fork should slide in easily and the bone should wiggle loose.
  5. Reduce & glaze (8–12 minutes)
    Skim excess fat from the pot. Simmer the braising liquid uncovered until glossy and spoon-coating (8–10 min).
    Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
  6. Serve
    Plate with rice & peas, creamy mash, or boiled food. Spoon over plenty of that Red Label gravy. Optional sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.

Notes for Control & Safety

  • Heat level: Keep Scotch bonnet whole with a slit for flavor without overwhelming heat; remove before serving if desired.
  • Sub for wine: If you ever run out, use a sweet red wine and add 1 tsp brown sugar; but Red Label gives the signature vibe.
  • Pressure cooker option: 45–55 minutes on High, natural release 10 minutes; then reduce sauce on stovetop.

How to make Jamaican beef short ribs


Enjoy these tender Jamaican beef short ribs—rich, flavorful, and full of home vibes.
Share your photos and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube!

Creamy Jamaican-Style Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is colorful, creamy, and full of island flavor — think tangy mayo, crunchy veggies, and a little kick of spice that reminds you of yard.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (about ½ box) elbow or cavatapi pasta
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 small carrot, shredded
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ green bell pepper, diced
  • ½ small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk celery ,diced
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp sweet relish
  • 2 tbsp white distilled vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional – balances flavor)
  • Fresh parsley or scallion for garnish

Instructions

  • Boil the pasta – Cook in salted water until tender but not mushy (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cool water.
  • Prepare the dressing – In a large bowl, add together mayonnaise ,carrot, celery, sweet relish , vinegar and sugar. Mix in grated carrot, diced peppers and onion.
  • Combine everything – Toss the cooled pasta into the dressing and mix until well coated with black pepper.
  • Chill & serve – Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle parsley or scallion on top before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Add shredded chicken, tuna, or ham for extra protein.
  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
  • It tastes even better the next day after the flavors blend!


If you try this creamy pasta salad, I’d love to see your twist! Snap a photo and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube so I can share it. 🇯🇲💛

Jamaican Escovitch Fish Recipe

There’s nothing like the crispy, tangy, spicy bite of a good Jamaican escovitch fish. Growing up, this was always a beach-day or holiday favorite — fried snapper topped with pickled onions, carrots, and Scotch bonnet pepper.

Ingredients

  • Serves: 4  Prep Time: 15 mins  Cook Time: 25 mins
  • For the Fish
  • 6 whole red snapper (cleaned and scaled)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp all-purpose or fish seasoning
  • Oil for frying (enough to deep fry)
  • For the Escovitch Pickle Sauce
  • ½ cup vinegar (white )
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 medium carrot (julienned)
  • 2 onion (thinly sliced)
  • 3 Scotch bonnet pepper (sliced, seeds removed for less heat)
  • pimento seeds (allspice berries)
  • 2 tbsp of the fish oil
  • ½ tsp sugar

Instructions

  • Season the Fish:
    Pat fish dry with paper towel. Rub with salt, black pepper and all-purpose seasoning inside and out. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.
    Fry the Fish:
    Heat oil in a large frying pan onmedium-high. Carefully place fish in and fry until golden brown and crisp on both sides — about 6–8 minutes per side depending on size. Remove and drain on paper towel.
    Make the Pickle Sauce:
    In a small saucepan, combine fish oil, vinegar, water, onion, carrot, pepper, sugar and pimento berries. Bring to a light boil for 2–3 minutes — just enough to soften the vegetables but keep them crunchy.
    Combine:
    Pour the hot pickle mixture over the fried fish. Let it sit and soak up the flavors for a few minutes before serving.
    Serve & Enjoy:
    Best enjoyed with bammy, festival, or even a slice of hard dough bread to soak up the spicy vinegar sauce.

Tips:

  • You can use parrotfish, porgy or butterfish if snapper isn’t available.
  • For a milder flavor, use half a Scotch bonnet or remove the seeds.
  • The longer the fish sits in the pickle, the better it tastes — perfect for making ahead!

Thanks for stopping by my kitchen! I’d love to see how your escovitch fish turned out — share your photos and tag @khaliaskuisine so I can repost them.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube (@khaliaskuisine) for more cozy Jamaican recipes, kitchen moments, and island vibes.
See you next recipe!

Oven Roast Fish with Bammy

Growing up in Jamaica, roasted fish was one of those meals that brought the whole yard together — whether it was done outside on the coal stove or wrapped in foil and tossed in the oven. The smell alone could make your belly start talking! This oven roast fish with bammy brings back that same island flavor, just made easy for a modern kitchen. It’s flaky, buttery, and filled with the kind of seasoning that reminds you of home — pimento, thyme, and a touch of pepper for that Jamaican kick.


Ingredients

  • 4 whole snapper or parrot fish (cleaned and scaled)
  • 2 tbsp dry Jerk seasoning or fish seasoning
  • 1 tsp scotch bonnet powder
  • 1 tbsp Garlic powder
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • Okra
  • 2 sprig thyme
  • 6 Garlic (chopped)
  • 2 Carrots (sliced)
  • 2 cups Callaloo
  • Pimento berries
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp Coconut oil
  • 1 packet foil
  • parchment paper
  • For serving:
  • 6 Jamaican bammy
  • 1 cup coconut milk (for soaking and toasting bammy)

Instructions

  • Clean & Prep Fish:
    Wash fish with lime or lemon and pat dry. Score each side lightly with a knife.
    Season Well:
    Rub in jerk seasoning with pimento berries , garlic powder and scotch bonnet powder. Season inside out
    Wrap & Roast:
    Place each fish on a piece of foil and parchment paper. Combine Callaloo, Okra, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme and coconut oil. Then add it in the fish head and belly . then dot with butter.
    Wrap tightly and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
    Prepare Bammy:
    Soak bammy in coconut milk or water for 2 minutes.
    Pan-fry or bake until golden and slightly crisp on the edges.
    Serve & Enjoy:
    Unwrap the roasted fish and serve hot with bammy. Drizzle with lime juice for a tangy island finish.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate the fish overnight in the fridge.
  • Serve with bammy, festival, rice & peas, or roasted breadfruit for a full Jamaican plate.


If you try this oven roast fish and bammy, let me know how it turn out! I love seeing your versions of my recipes — so don’t forget to tag me @khaliaskuisine and share your dinner plates. Whether you roast it for a special occasion or a midweek meal, this dish brings that real yard flavor right into your kitchen.

Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe

If you grew up in a Jamaican household like me, you know when stew peas was cooking, the whole yard could smell it before you even reached the gate. My grandma used to have the peas soaking from early morning, and by afternoon the pot was bubbling away with pigtail, salted beef, and sometimes a few chicken feet for that rich jelly texture.

Jamaican Stew peas wasn’t just dinner — it was a moment. The kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter how far they were. That creamy coconut flavor mixed with thyme, scallion, and that one Scotch bonnet pepper sitting on top — pure perfection.

Now living in the U.S., I still make it the same way — slow, rich, and full of love. Every spoonful reminds me of home and those Sunday evenings when the kitchen was full of laughter, reggae on the radio, and rice steaming on the side.

So today, I’m sharing my version of Jamaican Stew Peas, just how my grandma made it — hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm your soul.

jamaican stew peas recipe

How To Make Jamaican Stew Peas

Ingredients

Protein:
½ lb salted pig’s tail (soaked overnight or boiled to remove excess salt)
½ lb oxtail, Or salted beef cleaned and trimmed
½ lb chicken feet (optional but adds rich flavor)
Base:
2 cups dried red kidney beans
6 cups water (add more if needed)
1 cup coconut milk
2 stalks scallion, chopped
3 sprigs thyme
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole)
1 tsp scotch bonnet powder (for heat)
4 pimento seeds (allspice berries)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp Jamaican jerk rub (all purpose seasoning) or grace cock soup flavoring https://www.gracefoods.com/recipe
For the Spinners (Dumplings):
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup water (add a little at a time)

Instructions

  • Prep the Pig’s tail
  • boil and remove excess salt
  • Next:
  • In a large pot, add red kidney beans, oxtail / chicken feet , pimento seeds, garlic and enough water to cover. Boil for about 30 mins , after that, add the pig’s tail to the boil . Boil until peas are tender and meat is soft (about 45mins – 2 hour). Depends on which meat your using,
  • adding water as needed to maintain a rich stew consistency.
  • Make the Spinners:
    Combine flour and then add water gradually to form a firm dough. Roll small pieces between your palms into long, thin dumplings .
  • Season the Pot:
    Stir in coconut milk
    Add onion, scallion, thyme, garlic, pimento, scotch bonnet powder and the Scotch bonnet pepper (keep whole for flavor, not heat). and All purpose seasoning or grace cock soup flavoring. Now add the spinners.
  • Simmer to Perfection:
    Let stew peas cook for another 20–25 minutes until thick, creamy, and fragrant. Remove Scotch bonnet before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with white rice or rice and peas for the ultimate Jamaican comfort meal. Some even love it with boiled dumplings, banana, or yam on the side.

Tip from My Kitchen:

For extra creaminess, mash a few peas with your spoon during the final simmer — that’s how Grandma made it thick and perfect!


Every spoonful of stew peas feels like a Mama hug. Did you grow up eating it on a Wednesday too ? or with rice / dumplings? Comment below or tag @khaliaskuisine to join the conversation


How to make Jamaican stew peas


Thanks for stopping by my kitchen! If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version — snap a photo and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram or Facebook. Don’t forget to follow Khalia’s Kuisine on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more Jamaican-inspired dishes, home-style meals, and a touch of nostalgia straight from my kitchen to yours.

Bless up and happy cooking! 💛💚🖤

Jamaican Stew Chicken

Jamaican Stew chicken — bold, rich, and full of island flavor.
This Stew Chicken brings that classic Jamaican flavor to your table — juicy chicken pieces seasoned with herbs, browned to perfection, and simmered in a savory sauce that’s good enough to pour over everything.

jamaican stew chicken

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken (cut into pieces)
  • 2 tbsp all- purpose seasoning
  • 3 tbsp chicken seasoning
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp scotch bonnet powder (optional)
  • 4 – 5 tbsp green seasoning (fresh herbs & spices)
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar (for browning)
  • 2 oil
  • 2 small tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 large potato
  • 2 carrots
  • 1/2 green bell pepper ,sliced
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, (for flavor)
  • 2 tbsp oil

Instructions

  • Season the Chicken:
  • Clean and cut chicken, then season with all-purpose seasoning, chicken seasoning, garlic powder, scotch bonnet powder, and green seasoning . Let marinate for at least 2 hours.
  • Brown the Sugar:
  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add brown sugar and let it caramelize until it turns dark brown or desired color.
  • Add Chicken:
  • Add chicken pieces to the pot , stirring to coat in the caramelized sugar. Let it brown on both sides.
  • next:
  • cover and allow it to produce its own juices for a about 15 – 20 mins
  • Then:
  • Add tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, Scotch bonnet, thyme and water/broth. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken is tender and gravy thickens.
  • Finish:
  • adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve:
  • Serve hot with rice & peas, fried plantains, or boiled

Tip from My Kitchen:

Add a dash of ketchup near the end — it balances the spice and gives the sauce a nice glossy finish!


How to make Jamaican stew chicken

Every Jamaican kitchen has a Brown Stew Chicken story — what’s yours? Do you like it spicy or mild? Tag @khaliaskuisine and show me how you plate yours! 🇯🇲💛


Thanks for stopping by my kitchen! If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version — snap a photo and tag @khaliaskuisine on Instagram or Facebook. Don’t forget to follow Khalia’s Kuisine on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more Jamaican-inspired dishes, home-style meals, and a touch of nostalgia straight from my kitchen to yours.

Bless up and happy cooking! 💛💚🖤