10 Caribbean snacks to make yourself

My love for Caribbean snacks: why I love making them myself!

As a child I grew up in Curaçao and was surrounded by the most delicious dishes and snacks. My grandmother was a real kitchen princess and always knew how to put the tastiest dishes on the table. But it was mainly the Caribbean snacks that we liked best as children. From pasties (pastechi) filled with meat or cheese to plantain and Johnny cakes, I couldn't get enough of it.

As I got older and started living on my own, I started experimenting more and more in the kitchen. I wanted to relive the flavors of my youth and decided to make my own Caribbean snacks. That not only turned out to be fun to do, but it also gave me a feeling of pride and connection with my roots.

It all starts with the right ingredients. For me it is important to use authentic Caribbean spices and spices such as cumin, Madame Jeanette pepper and allspice. These give the snacks their characteristic taste and make me feel like I'm back in Curaçao. In addition, it is also important to use the correct techniques, such as kneading the dough for the Johnny cakes or folding the patties.

But the best part of making Caribbean snacks is sharing them with you! It's a great way to share my culture and introduce others to these delicious snacks. And it's always a great success!

Of course, there are also times when I just feel like having a Caribbean snack and don't feel like diving into the kitchen. Fortunately, nowadays there are more and more Caribbean eateries and caterers where I can go for my favorite snacks. But there is still something special about making it yourself. It is a way to express my love for Caribbean cuisine and to continue to connect with the delicious food.

The taste of the Caribbean: my top 3 snacks to make yourself

In this article you will of course get 10 delicious recipes, but here are my absolute top 3 Caribbean snacks:

1. Pastechi karni

One of my absolute favorites are minced meat pies. These delicious dough snacks are filled with a tasty filling of minced meat and vegetables. The dough is made from flour, butter and water and then filled with the well-seasoned filling. After frying in the oil, the patties are crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft on the inside. I always enjoy making these patties, and they are perfect as a snack or as part of a meal.

2. Tostones with avocado dip

Another snack I like to make are tostones, or fried green plantains. These are cut into slices and then double fried in hot oil. The result is a crispy and savory snack that goes perfectly with an avocado dip. Tostones are sometimes also called 'patacones'. I love to serve this snack as an appetizer or just as a snack.

3. Cocada (recipe in my cookbook)

Last but not least, I can't get enough of our cocada. This delicious candy is made from grated coconut, sugar and (sometimes) condensed milk. This is boiled and then formed into small balls. The result is a crunchy candy with a delicious coconut flavor. I always enjoy experimenting with different shapes and sizes of cocada, and they are easy to make too. Perfect with coffee or just as a snack.

Plantain: the ultimate Caribbean ingredient

As a born and raised Curaçaoan, I can say with certainty that there is no better way to experience the flavors of the islands than with a bite of the baking banana or 'plantain'. This fruit is so versatile! When ripe, you can bake a pie or make baka bana. And when it is still green, you can eat it in soup, because then it tastes like potato.

In this way, the plantain is often used as a side dish with meals, but my favorite way to eat it is as a snack. And the best? It's super easy to make.

To start, cut the plantain into slices and fry them in a little oil + butter until golden brown and crispy. You can also choose to fry them, but I prefer the first option. Once the slices are fried, sprinkle them with some salt and pepper and voilà, you have a delicious snack to enjoy.

My tips for making Caribbean snacks

When I think of Caribbean cuisine, I immediately get a craving for exotic flavors and colorful dishes. It's like I can bring a little piece of the tropics into my own kitchen. And what could be more fun than making your own Caribbean snacks? I would like to share my tips with you, so that you too can enjoy a touch of the tropics in your own kitchen.

1. Choose fresh ingredients
The basis of Caribbean cuisine is freshness. Therefore, choose fresh ingredients such as tropical fruit, fresh spices and vegetables. These provide the authentic taste and aroma of Caribbean cuisine. Fresh okra, lemongrass and ginger really taste much better than the dried or frozen version.

2. Experiment with spices and spices
spices and spices are indispensable in Caribbean cuisine. Think of cumin, coriander, ginger and garlic. These give dishes a delicious taste and make them extra spicy. Dare to experiment and add spices to your dishes according to your own taste. We also use a lot of Madame Jeanette peppers. Do you think it's too hot? Then you can also use a small piece or cook the pepper briefly and then remove it from the dish for a nice middle ground.

3. Make your own marinades and sauces
A good marinade or sauce can take a dish to the next level. In Caribbean cuisine, marinades and sauces based on citrus fruits, such as lime and lemon, are often used. These give a fresh and sour taste to your dishes. You can also experiment with different types of peppers for a spicy twist.

4. Try different types of meat and fish
Caribbean cuisine uses a lot of meat and fish. Think of chicken, pork, goat and different types of fish such as snapper and sea bream. Try a new type of meat or fish and prepare it in a Caribbean way, for example by marinating and grilling it.

5. Making your own is always better
There are countless delicious snacks in Caribbean cuisine. Think of empanas, pasties and kala (fried black eyed peas snack). You can easily make these snacks yourself using my recipe. This way you can decide which ingredients you use and adjust the snacks to your own taste.

Even more tasty Caribbean snacks

I have already given you my top 3 Caribbean snacks… and after the recipe for the plantain, it is of course time for the other 6 snacks from the Antilles!

Let's start with a classic: the empanada . These delicious filled pastry bites are a must-try for anyone who loves Caribbean cuisine. Whether you choose the traditional filling with ground meat or a more adventurous version with chicken and cheese, one thing is certain: you won't be able to get enough of them.

Then there are the cheese balls . These shouldn't be missing from any party. You make them from (aged) cheese, eggs, and flour. Roll them into balls and fry them… nice and easy to make, and the taste is really great!

Another snack I always enjoy making is the kala . This fried snack, made from black-eyed peas, is a true taste sensation. The crispy exterior and the soft filling make it a perfect combination. The hot pepper in the batter finishes it off perfectly.

But let's not forget that Caribbean cuisine also has delicious vegetarian options. Or even completely vegan. This pinda herebe, for example. Tasty, soft-boiled peanuts that are pickled like olives. Irresistibly delicious!

And let's not forget those with a sweet tooth. After all, Caribbean cuisine has plenty to offer for those who crave something sweet. One of my favorites is djente di kachó . This candy is made from pieces of coconut, sugar, and spices.

And last, but certainly not least, I would like to mention the Johnny Cakes . These fried soda dough buns are an indispensable part of Caribbean street food culture. Filled with cheese or salted fish… a Johnny Cake is always good!

As you can see, Caribbean cuisine has something for everyone when it comes to snacks. Whether you like savory or sweet, there is always something tasty to be found. So the next time you're craving a tropical snack, consider these delicious options and enjoy Caribbean cuisine at its best. Come Dushi!