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What Jamaican Dishes are NOT Spicy?
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Have you seen our recent article on what Jamaican cuisine is known for? Well if you did, you now know that one of our key features is spiciness. And no, I don’t mean just using a lot of spices in our dishes, but the fiery heat from our famous scotch bonnet peppers; a standard in many of our dishes.
However, not everyone can handle the heat. If you are a part of the no-heat crew, do not let the fear of a little heat keep you away from a beautiful time in Jamaica. While they are not plentiful, we do have a few dishes where the heat is dialed back and are just perfect for you.
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You see, for most of our dishes, the heat is adjustable if you are making it on your own. There are those, like jerk chicken, curry goat and escovitch fish that will always have a kick to it when ordered at restaurants, but there are a few others that usually have little to no heat.
1. Brown Stew Chicken
Brown stew chicken is one of our most popular dishes. I like to call it an everyday dish since most people I know eat this several times per week.
This is a safe choice when it comes to staying away from the heat, as a matter of fact, it has more of a sweet taste to it.
This dish features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and aromatic spices. The slow-cooking process infuses the meat with deep flavours without overwhelming spiciness.
2. Callaloo
Vegetables are always a safe choice when it comes to avoiding spiciness. Callaloo is one of those vegetables that is hardly ever a side dish. It is a main dish, which is usually prepared by itself, with saltfish or combined with other vegetables such as carrots and pak choy.
Nutritious and delicious, it's a staple in Jamaican households and a perfect choice for those seeking non-spicy options.
3. Cabbage
Like callaloo, cabbage is a great main vegetable dish. Cabbage dishes are often sautéed with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, creating a delightful medley of flavours. While it can be seasoned with spices, it's easy to prepare it without overwhelming the dish's natural taste, providing a mild and satisfying accompaniment to any meal.
4. Stew Peas
Now this is one of my favourites. Stew Peas is traditionally made with kidney beans, meat (like beef or pork), and signature spinners (small dumplings). Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is bursting with rich flavours without being excessively spicy, making it a popular choice among us locals and visitors alike.
5. Oxtail
I am sure you have heard all the rave about our delicious, tender, fall-of-the-bone Jamaican oxtail dish. The delicious oxtail stew is a testament to the island's culinary expertise. Though the dish is robust and flavorful, it is typically not overly spicy, allowing the natural tastes of the ingredients to shine through.
6. Homestyle Fish
Homestyle is basically any fish that is fried and then cooked down in our Jamaican homestyle sauce. It is extremely flavourful and you can absolutely enjoy every ounce of this dish without worrying about it being too spicy. While we're on the topic, if you run into homestyle chicken, a popular “box lunch” option at local restaurants and roadside cook shops, it is a safe bet too.
7. Jamaican Porridges
Porridges are a staple on our breakfast table and while you may have to worry about it being piping hot, you definitely will have no concern about any spicy heat. Our cuisine boasts a variety of comforting porridges, such as cornmeal, peanut, hominy and plantain porridges. These warm, creamy concoctions are often spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla, providing a soothing and mildly flavoured breakfast or snack option.
Our porridges are sweetened with cow’s milk, Lasco or coconut milk in most cases. So, should you have dietary restrictions, this meal option is easily adaptable to your dietary needs.
8. Sides
Our sides like rice and peas, ripe plantains, roasted breadfruit, and bammy complement the main dishes with their delightful simplicity. Rice and peas, cooked with coconut milk and kidney beans, offer a mildly seasoned accompaniment, while ripe plantains add a natural sweetness.
Roasted breadfruit and bammy, both starchy delights, are versatile and can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes, providing a non-spicy alternative to balance the meal.
We certainly have many bold spicy dishes that are packed with heat but these non-spicy Jamaican delicacies offer a refreshing alternative.
By savouring the mild side of Jamaican cuisine, food enthusiasts can experience the diverse tastes of our island without the fiery heat, showcasing the culinary artistry that defines our vibrant culture.
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References & Sources For What Jamaican Dishes are NOT Spicy?
- Morrow, K. (2022, October 6). 44 Irresistible Food & Drinks to try in Jamaica | BEACHES. Here Comes the Sun: Beaches Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. https://www.beaches.com/blog/jamaica-food-drinks/
- I. (2023, April 5). 21 Delicious Jamaican Food (Best Jamaican Dishes & Drink Recipes For You To Try). IzzyCooking. https://izzycooking.com/jamaican-food/
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