When it comes to the royal family, there is often a set menu for when the members of the family visit the Queen. There are also some set rules they must follow when it comes to dining, even when they are away from the palace. As Food and Dating previously discussed, there are actually some foods that Queen Elizabeth bans (at least at Buckingham Palace). Among those foods are starchy products like pasta, rice, and potatoes, and even onion and garlic due to its pungent aroma.
But in a surprising twist, it seems that Queen Elizabeth has actually approved a shocking addition to the royal menu – Caribbean food. And what makes this such a surprise is the fact that some of the most common ingredients in Caribbean food are things that are part of the Queen’s banned food list.
Oh, how we love jerk chicken! pic.twitter.com/GwxgZwD0mE
— CARIBBEAN FOOD (@CFDNY) July 15, 2015
Caribbean ingredients that typically appear
Among the ingredients that appear the most often in Caribbean recipes are things like rice, sweet potatoes, beans, plantains, coconut, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Plus, other ingredients that makes the list on a consistent basis are garlic and onions, both of which are a no-no when it comes to the Queen’s standard menu.
However, while Caribbean food might include some ingredients that the Queen typically avoids, it seems that the vibrant cuisine still held an appeal to the monarch. So much so that it seems that some of the dishes she was introduced to have been added to the royal rotation.
Caribbean food wins over the Queen
According to Delish, thanks to Buckingham Palace’s Caribbean Scholars program, the queen was introduced to a number of dishes that she apparently found favor with. Mark Flanagan, who is one of the royal chefs at Buckingham, explained that, “A number of the Caribbean dishes were particularly well received.”
One of the dishes that was a particular favorite was the callaloo soup, which is made with the leaves of taro (which is also known as callaloo), as well as coconut milk and chicken stock. Another ingredient that is a staple of this soup is chili peppers, which adds a kick to the dish and might even come as a surprise to members of the royal family who are more used to dishes with less spice to them. And while there are different variations on the soup, these ingredients are certainly a must, and found in basically every version of the recipe.
So it turns out that Queen Elizabeth‘s favourite soup is callaloo from the Caribbean. Expect sales to soar! pic.twitter.com/hssgLtRlqW
— African Brands (@BrandedAfrican) September 23, 2018
In fact, according to Flanagan the soup was such a hit that, he “had email after email telling me that it must now feature more regularly.” And honestly we are not surprised to learn that the Queen enjoyed the various Caribbean dishes, considering the vibrant and bold flavors that many of these dishes feature. With such fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations, Caribbean food is a great way to try something new.
Having a new perspective on food is always a good thing, and we have to say we are pleasantly surprised to learn that perhaps the Queen is willing to expand the culinary lineup at the palace when something delicious crosses her path. And we have to agree that Caribbean food is a great addition to any menu thanks to its fusion of flavors and amazing freshness.
Bring Caribbean flavors to your kitchen
If you are looking to add the flavors of the Caribbean to your own kitchen, then you may want to try some of these popular dishes, including the callaloo soup. Other popular dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, meat pie, chicken roti, or even the ackee and saltfish.
It's official – Caribbean food is the cuisine that we most want to try!https://t.co/NkwS9akx7z
If you've never tried it, we have juicy jerk chicken and Caribbean brown chicken stew #caribbean #nottinghamfood #buffet pic.twitter.com/XZXQd1kcSW— Cosmo Nottingham (@CosmoNottingham) October 1, 2018
While you may want to make things easier by sticking to specific flavors, incorporating things like coconut milk, garlic, cassava, culantro, and scotch bonnet peppers can make a difference. From giving a bolder profile to something as simple as rice and beans, to giving a boost to pork or chicken, these are flavors that are going to make an impact.
Take a cue from the Queen
Ultimately we think you should be taking a cue from the Queen and give Caribbean food a chance to spice up your life and your palette. Whether you try a single dish like the callaloo soup, or go for an entire meal entirely based out of the Caribbean, we think you will enjoy shaking things up and trying something new.
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