Here in Trinidad and Tobago cornmeal dishes are popular and an essential in the diet as it adds variety and interest. These cornmeal dishes (cornmeal coo coo) have been passed on from generation to generation and reflect the many ethnic influences within the country. I have grown to love these dishes and encourage you to try them. Look forward to some of these dishes in the coming days. I hope you enjoy them!
This cornmeal coo coo traces its origin from the African influence in Trinidad and Tobago. But with the mixing of the races and cultures this dish has been adopted by all. Perfect with fried fish, callaloo, and a multitude of other dishes, coo coo is a welcomed dish to any table, especially on Sundays.
Now, this cornmeal coo coo is not the easiest to make, many people will agree with me. The perfect mixture is not always achievable, but I must caution you to follow read the recipe first before you try it. This is important if you have never tried making coo coo before. You could end up with a sticky lump that refuses to dry when it cools. So enjoy this versatile dish that echoes from our distant past reminding us where we came from. Here’s cornmeal coo coo.
CORNMEAL COO COO
1 tbsp oil
1 medium onion, chopped finely
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 pimento peppers, finely chopped
12 ochroes, sliced thinly
1/2 tbsp roucou
2 tbsp.all purpose seasoning (optional)
1 tbsp butter
1½ cups hot water
salt to taste
1 cup coconut milk powder dissolved in 1 cup warm water
(you can also use 1 cup of fresh coconut milk)
1 cup cornmeal
Heat oil in medium pot; saute onions, garlic and pimento peppers until tender.
Add ochroes and roucou. Cook for 5 minutes.
Add seasoning, salt, butter and coconut milk.
Bring to a boil and cook until ochroes are tender.
In a medium size bowl, mix cornmeal in the hot water.
Add cornmeal, a little at a time, stirring vigorously until all is added.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and a stiff ball is formed.
Note: The coo coo is removed from the fire when it appears stiff, leaves the sides of the pot and can hold a peak.
Remove from heat and pour into buttered dish.
Smooth top with the back of a buttered spoon.
Leave to stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Ah gone 🙂
Gerald
I grew up eating cookoo with stew fish and callaloo when ever I visited my Barbadian side of the family. My mother’s side was Trinidaian and my mom’s mom would make this once in a while for us. I miss my family and really appreciate your web site for rekindling my childhood memories of such great food and taste. Especially around the holiday 🙂
Minq
This kind of sounds like a Trini version of grits. I will definetly have to try this.
Nisha Meera Kissoon
Chef Felix, does rou-cou actually have a favour or is it primarily a colour enhancer? I’ve never used it.
Simply Trini Cooking
More for colour though some people may swear that it enhances the flavour of food.
Nisha Meera Kissoon
Thanks Chef.
Michelle williams
Chef, is there a substitute for raucou? I am unable to find it in the store.
Felix
I’m sorry I don’t know of any substitutions. You can leave it out.
Melys
My dad adds chopped okra. It adds a nice flavour.