23 Delicious Caribbean Recipes

This is a popular, homey Cuban dish of ground beef in a savory tomato sauce. It's sometimes referred to as Cuban chili, although the flavors are quite a departure from American-style chili. It's also not spicy, making it a great dish for more sensitive palates.

Empanadas are hand pies that originated in Spain, where they are still a popular snack. They are perhaps even more popular in Latin America, including the Caribbean. These Latino-Caribbean empanadas are fried rather than baked (like many South American varieties) and have a savory ground beef filling perfumed with cumin.

Mofongo is a mash of slow-fried plantains, garlic and olive oil. In this recipe, it becomes a cozy vessel for criollo-seasoned shrimp stew. I like to cook my shrimp sauce down with a light beer for a zingy twist of flavor, then add peas — like my mother does — to bring a nice burst of color and a touch of sweetness. The pork rinds in the mofongo are optional, but I encourage them as they provide an element of authenticity to this Caribbean favorite.

Sorrel is type of magenta flour that is wildly popular in the English-speaking Caribbean, as well as in Mexico, where it's called jamaica. It is is brewed in hot water like a tea and produces a ruby-red liquid with a tart, fruity flavor. It's often made with fresh ginger, giving it a spicy kick. While this recipe tops off the sorrel punch with rum, you can easily serve it without for a refreshing drink.