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Cou-Cou

Cou-Cou recipe image
Cou-cou is a beloved Caribbean dish, particularly popular in Barbados, that pairs creamy, fluffy cornmeal with tender, slightly mucilaginous okra. This comforting side dish offers a delightful contrast in textures, with the smooth, buttery cornmeal balancing the earthy, green flavor of the okra. A hint of fresh hot pepper adds a gentle warmth, making it the perfect companion for grilled fish, especially flying fish, or roasted meats. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, it brings a taste of island tradition to your dinner table.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 649.9
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
Cou-cou is a beloved Caribbean dish, particularly popular in Barbados, that pairs creamy, fluffy cornmeal with tender, slightly mucilaginous okra. This comforting side dish offers a delightful contrast in textures, with the smooth, buttery cornmeal balancing the earthy, green flavor of the okra. A hint of fresh hot pepper adds a gentle warmth, making it the perfect companion for grilled fish, especially flying fish, or roasted meats. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, it brings a taste of island tradition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
  • 3 cup Water
  • 1 Salt
  • 2 cup Yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoon Butter
  • 12 ea Small young okras
  • 1 ea Small fresh hot pepper,
  • 1 Seeded & minced
  • 3 cup Water
Directions
  1. 1
    Wash the okras, remove the stems, and slice them diagonally into 1/4-inch rings.
  2. 2
    In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  3. 3
    Add the sliced okra, minced hot pepper, and salt to the boiling water.
  4. 4
    Reduce heat slightly and simmer for about 10 minutes until the okra is tender but still bright green.
  5. 5
    While the okra cooks, sift the cornmeal into a medium bowl to remove lumps.
  6. 6
    Gradually add the remaining 3 cups of cold water to the cornmeal, whisking continuously until smooth and free of lumps.
  7. 7
    Once the okra is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and pour the cornmeal mixture into the pot with the okra and cooking liquid.
  8. 8
    Return the pot to medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon.
  9. 9
    Continue stirring and cooking for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens significantly and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  10. 10
    Turn the hot cou-cou out onto a serving plate or onto individual plates.
  11. 11
    Immediately spread the butter on top so it melts into the warm cornmeal.
  12. 12
    Serve hot alongside grilled fish or meats.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 649.9kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12.3g19%
Saturated Fat 5.1g26%
Cholesterol 16.1mg6%
Sodium 97596.4mg4067%
Total Carbohydrate 128.5g43%
Dietary Fiber 24.6g99%
Sugars 8.1g
Protein 19.3g39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: caribbean, cornmeal, cou-cou, okra, porridge, barbados, side dish, vegetarian, traditional, comfort food, gluten-free, okra recipe, cornmeal porridge, island cuisine, easy dinner, homestyle, spicy, okra and cornmeal
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/cou-cou/