Vibrant, fresh and exciting, the food of the Caribbean is hugely diverse, and makes the most of an incredible array of produce: from sweet, juicy mangoes and pineapples to fresh fish and grilled meats paired with the unmistakable flavours of tamarind, coconut, allspice and Scotch bonnets. Here are three cookbooks from much-loved British/Caribbean authors that will help you bring a taste of these island nations into your own kitchen, from vegan twists on classic dishes to little known island recipes to all-out barbecue feasts.
“I love the way Caribbean flavours and spices make my kitchen smell; they remind me of my grandma’s house and she was an incredible cook”, she says by way of introduction to recipes like her vegan take on her grandmother’s full English, you’ll find plenty of Caribbean-inspired dishes like dhalpuri rotis, ackee ‘saltfish’ with Caribbean dumplings, rice and peas, and crispy jerk barbecue tacos.
KIN: Caribbean Recipes for the Modern Kitchen
More than just a cookbook, Kin is a heartfelt exploration of the diverse food of the Caribbean and diaspora communities by Marie Mitchell, chef and founder of the hit supper club Island Social Club. Beautifully photographed recipes such as Jamaican Patties, Honey Jerk Wings, and Summer Rum Punch accompany personal reflections of Marie’s own heritage and connection to the region’s cuisine.
All the recipes from Ainsley’s hit ITV series
Comfort food classics with Caribbean flavours
Stress-free midweek dinners and delicious family feasts
Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen
“I want to show that Caribbean cooking is not just jerk chicken, there is so much more to discover” says Ainsley Harriott in his most recent cookbook, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen, which spans a range of dishes, flavours and ingredients from across the Caribbean islands. While there are plenty of signature recipes, like Ainsley’s take on jerk chicken and his ackee and saltfish fritters, he also shares a broad range of stories and recipes showing the influence of migration and colonialism on the region. You’ll find okra onion bhajis as a nod to the Indian influence on Trinidadian cuisine, as well as his twist on recipes championing classic Caribbean flavours and ingredients, from poppy & coconut beef kebabs, griddled yams, tamarind rainbow trout, and mango & coconut rum daiquiri. This is the book to buy if you’re looking for unknown recipes as well as fresh and modern twists on the classics.
Tasty vegan food inspired by Rachel’s Caribbean, West African and British roots.
With bold, mouthwatering recipes, fresh twists on old favourites, and delicious bakes.
Full of clever tips and hacks to help you create exciting, flavourful vegan dishes.
Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats
“When I went vegan, I wanted to continue to eat all the flavours and meals that I used to love”, says Rachel, whose cookbook is inspired by her Caribbean, Welsh and African roots and the diverse dishes she grew up with in London. While not a strictly Caribbean cookbook, Rachel draws on the islands’ flavours and spices to create plant-based meals that are vibrant, innovative and altogether new.
“I love the way Caribbean flavours and spices make my kitchen smell; they remind me of my grandma’s house and she was an incredible cook”, she says by way of introduction to recipes like her vegan take on her grandmother’s fish fritters, made using jackfruit. Alongside everyday recipes like lasagne, curries, pancakes and a vegan full English, you’ll find plenty of Caribbean-inspired dishes like dhalpuri rotis, ackee ‘saltfish’ with Caribbean dumplings, rice and peas, and crispy jerk barbecue tacos.
101 flavour-packed recipes from Levi Roots
Fresh and nutritious dishes with a Jamaican twist
Perfect your grilling skills with Levi’s easy-to-follow steps
Grill It With Levi
A comprehensive Jamaican barbecue cookbook, Grill it with Levi is packed with over 100 recipes, many inspired by Levi’s childhood, during which barbecue was an integral part of life, celebrating and sharing. “On birthdays and other big events there’s often a big cookout. You get this fantastic smell from miles away and follow it to the event”, says Levi, whose recipes for healthy, quick and flavourful grilled food suit any occasion, from quick dinners to major celebrations. Try his roasted pineapple chicken, calypso chicken burgers or seasoned up pepper steak alongside fresh and vibrant sides, like hot and fruity Caribbean coleslaw or a salad of chilli and honey peaches. Finished off with barbecued fruits, like roasted treacle toffee bananas and you’re onto a winning formula. Get this cookbook if you’re seeking fresh, flavour-packed ways to barbecue this summer.
Over 100 recipes interspersed with personal anecdotes and photographs
From hearty soups and gorgeous bakes to vegan dishes and thirst quenching drinks
A celebration of Jamaican culture and flavours
West Winds
Award-wining writer, photographer and video maker Riaz Phillips, celebrates Jamaican culture and the cuisine and history that informs it. West Winds is a set of over 100 colourful and flavour packed recipes, interspersed with travel and food photography. You’ll find soups, drinks, mains and sides within its pages and an exploration of how veganism, fermentation, and zero-waste cooking formed part of Jamaican cuisine many years before they became contemporary trends.
