Bahamian Style Cabbage and Rice
Cabbage and rice might sound deceptively simple, but within this dish lies the heart and soul of Bahamian cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cabbage chopped
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice jasmine or parboiled rice
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons complete seasoning
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon basil
- 4 cups of water or chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegan version
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and tomato, sautéing until translucent.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot, stirring frequently until it starts to soften. Mix in the thyme, basil, turmeric, curry powder and complete seasoning coating the cabbage evenly.
- Add the Rice: Pour in the rice and stir until the grains are well mixed with the cabbage and coated with the tomato mixture.
- Simmer: Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, perhaps with fried plantains or a slice of avocado for a touch of richness.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Cabbage and rice is incredibly versatile. It can be adapted to include different proteins like smoked ham, bacon, or even salted cod, each adding a unique twist to the dish. For a lighter version, consider adding a dash of lemon juice or vinegar to enhance the flavors with a little acidity.