Issue 016: Get A Taste of Jamaica

Hey Q-Crew!

It’s Caribbean Heritage Month! I’m so excited to share my heritage with you all through tasty flavorful dishes and explore the mouthwatering cuisines of other islands. Today we’re headed to Jamaica, my mom’s home country, with Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning!

Jerk seasoning, though the consistency gives marinade more than seasoning, is a flavor packed staple mixture of spices and aromatics commonly used to season chicken and pork that’s then grilled until it’s falling off the bone. I use it for a lot more. For example, later this year I’ll show you all my jerk turkey recipe for Thanksgiving! You’ll see this marinade pop up a lot, especially during summer.

This month’s theme is Caribbean Heritage Month! Recognized in the U.S. every June, this month celebrates the rich history and vibrant culture of the islands of the Caribbean. Of course, we’re going to celebrate it through food! This may be the most traditional my recipes ever get (with my own small twists). Each week we’ll visit new countries through their culinary staples.

Homemade Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 0 minutes

Servings: Many

Ingredients:

• 3 medium onions chopped to fit in blender
• 1 bulb peeled garlic cloves
• 2 scallions
• 5 scotchbonnet peppers (OPTIONAL)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp ground allspice or 1 tsp whole pimento seeds (pimento seeds are allspice)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp whole cloves or 2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 inch piece of peeled ginger
• 3 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 1 bunch thyme
• 1/2 cup mushroom soy sauce

Step 2: Then blend to make room.

Step 4: Blend again.

Step 6: Final blend and it’s ready!