Caribbean catering food choices for weddings are varied. With influences from Africa, the East Indies, Middle East, Europe and China, the foods of the Caribbean are infused with different spice combinations and flavours. Each region has its own intrinsic combination of ingredients.
Some Caribbean food inspiration to consider for your Caribbean wedding catering:
Seafood:
A staple in all Caribbean cuisines. A popular fish in Jamaica is saltfish, while in the Bahamas conch is the go-to fish. Caribbean seafood dishes are as varied as the islands. Some of the more popular delicacies to consider are: crab cakes, conch fritters, seafood stew, or even a barbeque serving grilled seafood like shrimp and salmon.
Spice it Up:
Marinades, spices and seasonings bring Caribbean dishes to life. Jamaican jerk spice is a spicy rub that can be used on a variety of meats. Mojo isleño is a marinade from Puerto Rico with olive oil, olives, pimentos, onions, capers, garlic, bay leaves and tomato. Con coco is a fish sauce, using coconut, garlic and tomato sauce from the Dominican Republic. Go authentic and add some of these Caribbean flavours.
Get Fruity:
Fruit adds a vibrant and flavoursome touch to any course. Maybe it’s welcoming your guests with a cocktail or fruit punch served in a pineapple or papaya, or offering desserts such as Caribbean Black Cake (with dark rum, raisins, cinnamon, limes and oranges) or Spice Cake (with tamarind, cloves and mint syrup). Don’t forget the main course: a curry with pineapple and ginger provides a Caribbean touch to a popular dish.
Think Vegetable:
Vegetables popular in Caribbean recipes include sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkins, okra and a variety of beans. A common cooking method across many Caribbean islands is the use of a Coal Pot. White it might evoke thoughts of home cooking for some, a large Coal Post can make a great centrepiece, providing a wonderful smoky flavour.
Caribbean Black Fruitcake:
This is a celebration cake, popular throughout the Caribbean, and usually reserved for celebrations. Packed with dried fruits and nuts, warm spices and molasses, it is a slightly bitter yet rich fruitcake with a chocolate edge.
Sade Miller is one of the in house caterers at The Avenue Banquet Hall. She trained in Barbados and was a chef in some of the five star hotels in the islands.
The Avenue Banquet Hall can provide you with Caribbean catering solutions for your wedding.
Leave a Reply