Spice Girl

"Caribbean Flavors with a Twist"

Green Papaya Gratin

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Green Papaya GratinI got a little excited about green papaya today on instagram.

When I was in Thailand a couple of years ago, I fell in love with the vibrant, fragrant, tangy, spicy green papaya salad. Made to order by street vendors with a few fresh ingredients, it was simply delicious. I may have fallen in love a couple of times ever since, but only that green papaya salad is still on my mind!

On Curaçao we have papaya’s in abundance. But besides a traditional papaya stew (note: can we please stop stewing everything!), I don’t think there are many other papaya recipes. So I have started a mission: LET’S START EATING (GREEN) PAPAYA.

For that, all we need is a few good recipes. And that’s where I come in. And maybe you as well. Do share your favorite papaya recipe. Just make sure it’s good.

I’ll start with this recipe for a surprisingly tasty green papaya gratin. It is based on a recipe by Vanessa Bolossier who wrote a wonderful cookbook about the Caribbean kitchen. Do try. It’s delicious!

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Green Papaya Gratin

  • Author: Helmi Smeulders

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250 grams) green papaya, diced
  • 1 cup (250 grams) eggplant, diced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil ½ cup (75 grams) brown onion, diced
  • 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
  • ground black pepper & salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated cheese

Instructions

Put the eggplant and papaya in a stock pan, cover with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are soft, about 30-35 minutes. 

Strain the vegetables and mash with a fork. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and mashed vegetables. Season to taste and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if you like some spice.

Divide the vegetable puree over one big or a few small oven-proof bowls. Sprinkle with cheese and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and browned, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tuna Ceviche with Tequila Dressing

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Tuna Ceviche with Tequila Dressing

Tuna Ceviche with Tequila Dressing

When I was young and pretty ánd backpacking through South America (those were the days!), I had my first encounter with ceviche. It was on a beach somewhere in Peru and I was immediately hooked. Fresh fish, lime, spice, cilantro. I loved the bright flavors!… 

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Grilled Okra

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Grilled Okra

Grilled Okra

One of my favorite tools in the kitchen is my griddle pan. It works like an in-house BBQ and adds lots of flavor to meat, fish, bread and vegetables.

Did you know that grilling vegetables is a great way to prepare them? I use peppers (all colors), eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, pumpkin, tomatoes, onion, you name it. Toss them with a quick dressing of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, a little black pepper & salt and dig in.

One day, I had some leftover okra and decided to give that a go on the griddle pan. It turned out delicious! Because you only grill it for a few minutes it stays really fresh and crunchy. So many people are afraid of this – perceived slimy – vegetable, but it is so versatile if prepared in the right way, I think we should give it another chance.

This grilled version is as easy as it gets. Sprinkle with some good quality extra virgin olive oil and some coarse (sea) salt and you’re done. It makes a great snack on its own, can be served as a side dish with grilled meat or fish, or added to a salad of grilled veggies.

So no excuses, please, it is a must try!

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Grilled Okra

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 250g fresh okra, washed and sliced in half lengthways
  • 1 tablespoon good quality extra virgin olive oil
  • a sprinkle of coarse (sea) salt
  • extra: a griddle pan (or BBQ)

Instructions

  1. Heat your griddle pan for 5 minutes. Do not put any oil on the pan or it will become a smoky affair. Put your sliced okras on the griddle, cut side down. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the beautiful grill-marks appear. Turn and grill for another 2 minutes on the other side.
  2. Put the okras in a nice bowl and dress with the olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Serve immediately.

 

Cooking Classes

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In addition to the free recipes that you can find on my blog, I also teach Caribbean cooking classes with a modern twist. Besides a fun night out and a chance to meet new people, you will learn various cooking skills like how to fillet fresh fish and how to make your own sausages.

I received so many requests for the classes, that I have scheduled a few extra ones in the coming weeks. Note that it is the same class each week, so just pick the day that suits you best!

Click here for more information.

Caribbean Cooking Class

Caribbean Cooking Class

 

 

Veggie Kidz

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We have been a guest-blogger for the ladies of Veggie Kidz for some time now.

Their colorful Veggie Kidz cookbook was published in 2014 and was recently elected as the no. 2 vegetarian cookbook of the year! The book is filled with healthy (but fun) recipes for children and cheerful pictures. Don’t let the “vegetarian” part scare you. Even if you’re not a veggie, you can easily find a delicious recipe for a meat or fish-free day…. 

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Bustling 1st Farmers Market!

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The 1st Spice Girl Farmers Market took place last Saturday. And it was bustling!

Local farmers, fishermen, winemakers, beer brewers and other entrepreneurs arrived early in the morning with fresh farm products, freshly caught fish and prepared organic foods, juices & wines. They hardly had time to stock up their food stalls, before visitors started arriving and took their chance to load up their bags with lots of fresh produce…. 

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1st Spice Girl Farmers Market!

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I am very happy to be hosting the 1st Spice Girl Farmers Market this Saturday, February 28th!

As you may know by now, it is my mission to make people aware of all the beautiful products that grow and are produced in the area. Because it is crazy that we  import so many things that also grow on our island. Don’t you agree?

So let’s make a change! Come to the Farmers Market and give our hardworking farmers, fishermen, wine makers and other local entrepreneurs the credit they deserve!

You will have the opportunity to buy local fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, lots of organic products, flowers, vegan fingerfoods, raw-pressed juices, local beer, organic wines and of course some of the Spice Girl favorites like our Papaya Jam and Pickled Jalapeño’s.

After the shopping is done, you can relax in our Farmers Café with a nice cappuccino, enjoy our homemade cakes or even stay for a delicious market-lunch with a modern Caribbean twist.

See you Saturday!

1st Spice Girl Farmers Market

1st Spice Girl Farmers Market

 

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I am proud to be:

the Winner of the 2014 CITI Award for Most Impact on Sustainability!