Cayman Recipes To Try At Home

As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to gather loved ones around the table and share a meal that reflects the warmth and spirit of the Cayman Islands. From traditional dishes to sweet treats, Caymanian food is rich in history and culture.

Whether you’re spending the season at Coral Stone Club, enjoying the convenience of your fully equipped kitchen, or you’re back home wishing you were here, you can still bring the flavours of the islands into your festive celebrations.

Try these two local favourites and enjoy a taste of paradise no matter where you are. 

MR. ALVIN’S CAYMAN-STYLE BEEF

Cayman-style beef is a tender, slow-cooked holiday favourite, infused with rich spices and a beloved Christmas tradition in the Cayman Islands. You will also find it at most local restaurants.   

Ingredients:                                                

• 10lbs Fresh Beef (Pieces of every cut including portions with fat)                                                              
• ½lb Onions, diced                                                                               
• 4 Cloves of Garlic, finely chopped 
• 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers (to taste) 
• 1 Tbsp Black Pepper                                                                 
• 1 ½ Tbsp Salt 
• Seasoning Peppers (to taste)   

Directions: 

1. Trim portions of fat from lean meat and set aside. 
2. Season beef with salt, pepper, finely chopped garlic and diced onions. 
3. Add in diced and seeded seasoning peppers to taste. 
4. Place fat portions in a large heavy pot heating until rendered. 
5. Place the seasoned beef in a pot and reduce heat to simmer. 
6. Place whole scotch bonnet peppers over meat. 
7. Cover with a tightly sealed lid and simmer on low for 4 to 6 hours depending on tenderness desired. 
8. Remove whole peppers carefully after cooking to prevent bursting, then stir and allow meat to shred.
9. Serve with rice and beans and your choice of stemmed vegetables. 

MS. ROSE’S TRADITIONAL CAYMAN PEPPERMINT CANDY

Peppermint candies are a holiday favourite in the Cayman Islands, offering a sweet and minty treat that’s perfect for the Christmas season.

Ingredients:

• Peppermint Candy of Cayman8 oz. of water
• 5 lb package of sugar
• 8-9 drops of lime
• Peppermint oil

Directions:

1. Boil sugar, water and lime in a pot for one hour then pour into a greased baking pan.
2. Make sure you have water in a bath pan and then set the baking pan in the bath pan to make the mixture cool so it can be handled.
3. After it has cooled the mixture is “pulled” traditionally on a nail. The “pulling” of peppermint candy is similar to pulling taffy.
4. The mixture is stretched by hand and long strands of peppermint candy are then cut into small pieces of candy.
5. You wait for it to turn white then bore a hole into the mixture and put 3-4 drops of peppermint oil – continue to “pull” the mixture over the nail for 10-15 minutes to allow the peppermint oil to fully mix through.
6. Then take it off the nail and lay it out on a floured surface (to avoid sticking) and cut into pieces.

Want to make other Cayman recipes? Visit here.