CREATING A BAHAMIAN HOLIDAY FEAST

Tips for Flavour-Packed Bahamian Holiday Cooking

By Nikia Wells

Photographs Courtesy Of Nikia Wells

Chef Jamal Small decided to play on Bahamian flavours to create a unique interpretation of a Bahamian holiday meal which includes, Vitamalt braised short ribs, peas ‘n’ rice risotto, vegetable parcel, carrot textures and crispy onions.

The holiday season is a special time throughout the Bahamian islands. While thanksgiving is not an official holiday, many chefs, restaurants, and at-home cooks throughout the country have embraced the sentiment of the day, by showing gratitude, hosting community outreach efforts, and indulging in the culinary elements associated with the day of thanks. The end of November also marks the unofficial start of Christmas around The Bahamas, and supermarkets are filled with dried fruit rinds, nuts, hams, and turkeys – a sign that December 25th is quickly approaching.

For many Bahamians, sharing a meal is showing that they care, and ensuring that those around them are well taken care of. Serving up a plate of food and presenting it to someone else can denote anything from respect, admiration to appreciation and love. So, it is no surprise that during the holiday season, many home cooks go all out to create elaborate feasts. A typical Bahamian Christmas dinner often includes a family style spread of oven roasted turkey, brown sugar and mustard glazed ham, a wide range of fresh caught seafood, peas ‘n’ rice, baked macaroni ‘n’ cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, stuffing, and crab salad - just to name a few of the more popular menu selections. And the meal is often capped with rich and buttery rum cakes as well as dense fruit cakes.

Bahamian cuisine is known for being bold, flavour packed and not overly complicated. Fresh and unassuming ingredients are often meshed to create rich, hearty, and aromatic dishes. Each Bahamian home cook also has a few tricks and culinary secrets, but the basics of the country’s cuisine are surprisingly simple.

Onions, sweet peppers, celery, thyme, bay leaves, limes, peas, tomatoes, and hot peppers build the foundation of the Bahamian pot, adding intensity to kitchen staples like potatoes, rice, grits, plantains, cassava, sweet potatoes, and flour. Other items such as tomato paste, mustard, baking powder, mayonnaise, browning (usually referred to by the brand name “Kitchen Bouquet”), vegetable oil, and canned items such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, corned beef (affectionately called “Fire Engine”), and evaporated milk (simply called cream), usually round out a traditional kitchen throughout the Bahamian islands.

For those who have ever tasted Bahamian food, the warmth and heartiness are evident, and is a reflection of the country’s vibe, energy, and culture. For a bit of inspiration to elevate your Bahamian cooking skills this holiday season, we caught up with Chef Jamal Small, executive chef at Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, to find out what inspires him in the kitchen.

Up and Away: Who inspired you to become a chef?

For me, it’s a “what” inspired me – not “who”. It all started in fourth grade preparing my own lunches for school. A spark just turned into a flame that never went out. Eventually, with the addition of cable television’s Food Network series, these chefs further intrigued me to pursue a culinary career full time. I’ve been going ever since; never once looked at getting into anything else.

Up and Away: How important is food in Bahamian culture?

Food is a huge part of who we are as Bahamians. There is always a story behind each meal. From our grandparents and great-grandparents who paved the way and developed a base, to now the new generation who is trying to take what we call “old school flavours” and techniques and turn them into modern masterpieces.

Up and Away: Describe the flavours of Bahamian cuisine.

Bahamian cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures. So, the flavour profile is very eclectic. Sweet, spicy, acidic, deep, and warm flavours hit your palate.

Up and Away: What dishes should every Bahamian holiday spread include? What is your favourite holiday dish?

For me, it’s all about the side dishes. Flavoured peas ‘n’ rice, baked macaroni ‘n’ cheese, coleslaw, stuffing/dressing flavoured with local seafood, lobster salad, and roasted vegetables. Side dishes make the meal for me. The perfect balance of flavours, textures, and colours for me outshines the main dish proteins that usually take the throne.

Up and Away: Can you share a few tips for Bahamian home cooks?

My tips for home cooks are to always plan meals, give yourself time (good meals can’t be rushed), put a lot of love into the food, and never be afraid to be yourself and show that in your preparation. UA