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1) Who am I?
The Colombo blend is a delicious mix of spices of Antillean origin, known as the "Antillean cousin" of Indian curry. It consists of cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, hot pepper, fenugreek, fennel, garlic, and various other spices. Its flavor is warm, fragrant, and mildly spicy without being too hot. The Colombo blend adds aromatic depth to your dishes, with a hint of exoticism reminiscent of the flavors of the islands.
2) Usage in Cooking
The Colombo blend is extremely versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes:
- Meats: It pairs perfectly with meats such as chicken, lamb, pork, or veal, to make iconic dishes like chicken Colombo or pork Colombo.
- Fish and Seafood: Elevate your fish and seafood dishes by adding a touch of Colombo, like for fish Colombo or shrimp flavored with Colombo.
- Vegetables and Vegetarian Dishes: This spice blend also works very well with roasted vegetables, vegetarian stews, or dishes made with chickpeas, adding a rich flavor to simple dishes.
- Dosage and Cooking: For a dish serving 5 people, use approximately 1 tablespoon of Colombo. It is recommended to add the spices midway through cooking to preserve their aromas while allowing the dish to be well-flavored.
3) A Little History
The Colombo blend has its roots in Antillean cuisine, influenced by Indian culinary traditions. It arrived in the French Caribbean islands in the 19th century with the arrival of Indian contract workers, after the abolition of slavery. Colombo thus became an essential spice in the cuisine of the Caribbean, taking the basics of Indian curries while adapting to local ingredients and the culinary preferences of the islands. Its name comes from the traditional Antillean dish of the same name, which can be made with meat, fish, or vegetables.
4) Recipe Ideas
- Antillean Chicken Colombo:
- Ingredients: Chicken, Colombo blend, garlic, onions, zucchini, carrots, coconut milk.
- Preparation: Sauté the chicken pieces with garlic and onions. Add the vegetables and Colombo blend halfway through cooking, then stir in coconut milk for a rich and flavorful sauce. Let it simmer and serve with white rice.
- Pork Colombo with Vegetables:
- Ingredients: Pork shoulder, potatoes, eggplants, Colombo blend, garlic, thyme.
- Preparation: Brown the pork with garlic and thyme, add the vegetables, and sprinkle with the Colombo blend. Let it simmer until the meat is tender and the vegetables are soft. Serve with rice or red beans.
- Fish Colombo:
- Ingredients: White fish fillets (snapper, cod), Colombo blend, lemon, coconut milk, bell peppers.
- Preparation: Marinate the fish fillets with lemon and the Colombo blend. Cook gently with bell peppers and coconut milk for a light and flavorful dish.
- Roasted Vegetables with Colombo:
- Ingredients: Potatoes, zucchini, carrots, Colombo blend, olive oil.
- Preparation: Toss the vegetables with olive oil and generously sprinkle with Colombo. Roast in the oven for a flavorful and exotic side dish.
