So, the other day, I got this massive craving for Caribbean food. I’ve always loved those vibrant flavors, but I wasn’t quite in the mood for a heavy main dish. That’s when it hit me: side dishes! I figured I could whip up a few different sides and have a little Caribbean feast of my own.
First things first, I had to decide what to make. I remembered reading something about Calypso rice being a popular choice, and it sounded delicious. Plus, I’m a sucker for anything with “Calypso” in the name – it just screams “party in your mouth”, right?
Experimenting with Rice
I started gathering ingredients for the rice. I found a few different recipes online, some with coconut milk, some with different spices. I ended up kind of winging it, using what I had on hand. I sauteed some onions and garlic, then tossed in some rice, and then added the coconut milk for the cooking liquid. I had some colorful peppers in my fridge, added those, too.
Cabbage and Peas
While the rice was simmering, I moved on to the other sides. I knew I wanted something light and fresh, so I opted for steamed cabbage. I just chopped it up, threw it in a steamer basket, and let it do its thing. Easy peasy! The steamed cabbage is so healthy.
I also couldn’t resist making some rice and peas. I mean, it’s a classic for a reason, right? I used the canned peas. I didn’t have time to soak dried beans overnight. Cooked some more rice, mixed in the peas, and seasoned it all with some thyme, scallions, and a little bit of allspice. So I got two kinds of rice to eat.
Taste-testing and Results
Once everything was cooked, I plated it all up, and it looked like a rainbow on a plate. The Calypso rice was definitely the star of the show – so flavorful and colorful. The steamed cabbage was the perfect light and refreshing counterpart, and the rice and peas added that comforting, homey touch.
All in all, it was a successful experiment. I got to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean without feeling weighed down by a heavy meal. Plus, I discovered some new favorite side dishes that I’ll definitely be making again. It turned out to be a real treat. And there’s always something special about making and trying a new food!
