Haitian Tomtom is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Caribbean dish. It’s a simple dish that can be made quickly with a few basic ingredients. This recipe is a great way to introduce your family to the unique flavors of the Caribbean. Haitian Tomtom is a great option for a quick and easy meal that everyone will love.
What is Haitian Tomtom?
Haitian Tomtom is a traditional Caribbean stew made with various vegetables, such as squash, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. It’s also seasoned with garlic, thyme, oregano, and other herbs and spices. The stew is simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce and served with white rice. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Why You’ll Love this Haitian Tomtom?
There are many reasons why you’ll love this Haitian Tomtom recipe. First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is chop the vegetables and simmer them in the tomato sauce for about 25 minutes.
The flavors of the herbs and spices come together to create an amazing flavor. Plus, it’s a great way for your family to enjoy Caribbean flavors.
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The Ingredients
Half of Ripe and Green Breadfruit (Peeled and Cored):
Ripe and green breadfruit serves as the main ingredient in the Haitian tomtom recipe. The breadfruit, when ripe, adds sweetness and a starchy texture, while the green portion contributes a more neutral and firm quality. The combination provides a balanced flavor and consistency to the dish.
Bowl of Boiled Water:
Boiled water is used in the cooking process to partially cook or soften the breadfruit. This step is essential for preparing the breadfruit for further cooking, allowing it to absorb flavors and seasonings while maintaining the desired texture in the final dish.
Salt (as Preference):
Salt is a versatile seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the breadfruit. It adds a savory element, balances sweetness, and brings out the overall taste of the tomtom. The amount of salt is adjusted based on personal preference to achieve the desired level of seasoning.
Step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breadfruit:
Choose a ripe and green breadfruit. Peel the breadfruit and remove the core. Cut the breadfruit into bite-sized chunks.
Step 2: Boil Water:
In a large pot, bring a bowl of water to a boil. Ensure there’s enough water to cover the breadfruit chunks.
Step 3: Add Salt:
Season the boiling water with salt according to your preference. This will add flavor to the breadfruit during the cooking process.
Step 4: Add Breadfruit Chunks:
Carefully place the peeled and cored breadfruit chunks into the boiling water. Ensure they are fully submerged.
Step 5: Boil Until Tender:
Boil the breadfruit chunks until they are tender. The cooking time may vary, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the chunks with a fork. They should be soft and easily pierced.
Step 6: Drain and Serve:
Once the breadfruit is tender, drain the water from the pot.
Step 7: Mash or Serve Whole:
You can choose to mash the breadfruit chunks for a smoother texture or serve them whole for a chunkier consistency.
Step 8: Season to Taste:
Taste the tomtom and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt if necessary.
Step 9: Serve Hot:
Serve the Haitian tomtom hot as a side dish or a standalone meal.
Step 10: Enjoy:
Enjoy the traditional Haitian tomtom! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the natural taste of breadfruit. Tomtom can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Haitian dishes.
Notes
– You can adjust the amount of herbs and spices to your taste.
– If you like your stew spicier, you can add more peppers or some hot sauce.
– You can also add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or mushrooms.
– Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
– You can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh.
– You can also add a can of beans to the stew for extra protein.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Haitian Tomtom contains approximately 200 calories, 6 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein.
How to Store Haitian Tomtom?
Haitian Tomtom can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations
– Vegetarian Haitian Tomtom: You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables such as mushrooms, eggplant, or zucchini.
– Spicy Haitian Tomtom: You can make this recipe spicier by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
– Coconut Haitian Tomtom: You can add some coconut milk to the stew for a creamy and flavorful twist.
– Curried Haitian Tomtom: You can add some curry powder to the stew to give it an Indian-inspired flavor.
– Jamaican Haitian Tomtom: You can add some Jamaican jerk seasoning to the stew for an island-inspired flavor.
Equipment
- Pot
- knife
- bowl
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- Half of ripe and green breadfruit peeled and cored
- Bowl of boiled water
- Salt as preference
Instructions
Prepare the Breadfruit:
- Choose a ripe and green breadfruit. Peel the breadfruit and remove the core. Cut the breadfruit into bite-sized chunks.
Boil Water:
- In a large pot, bring a bowl of water to a boil. Ensure there’s enough water to cover the breadfruit chunks.
Add Salt:
- Season the boiling water with salt according to your preference. This will add flavor to the breadfruit during the cooking process.
Add Breadfruit Chunks:
- Carefully place the peeled and cored breadfruit chunks into the boiling water. Ensure they are fully submerged.
Boil Until Tender:
- Boil the breadfruit chunks until they are tender. The cooking time may vary, but it typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the chunks with a fork. They should be soft and easily pierced.
Drain and Serve:
- Once the breadfruit is tender, drain the water from the pot.
Mash or Serve Whole:
- You can choose to mash the breadfruit chunks for a smoother texture or serve them whole for a chunkier consistency.
Season to Taste:
- Taste the tomtom and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt if necessary.
Serve Hot:
- Serve the Haitian tomtom hot as a side dish or a standalone meal.
Enjoy:
- Enjoy the traditional Haitian tomtom! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that showcases the natural taste of breadfruit. Tomtom can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other Haitian dishes.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are other vegetables I can use for Haitian Tomtom?
You can use any vegetables of your choice, such as mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, carrots, celery, etc.
2. Can I make Haitian Tomtom without tomato sauce?
Yes, you can make Haitian Tomtom without tomato sauce. Just use some vegetable broth instead.
3. Can I make Haitian Tomtom ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Haitian Tomtom ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I make Haitian Tomtom vegan?
Yes, you can make Haitian Tomtom vegan by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth or coconut milk instead of chicken broth.
5. Can I freeze Haitian Tomtom?
Yes, you can freeze Haitian Tomtom for up to 3 months.
6. What can I serve with Haitian Tomtom?
Haitian Tomtom is usually served with white rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, couscous, or mashed potatoes.
7. How many calories are in Haitian Tomtom?
One serving of Haitian Tomtom contains approximately 200 calories.
Conclusion
Haitian Tomtom is an incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Caribbean dish. It’s a simple dish that can be made quickly with a few basic ingredients. This recipe is a great way to introduce your family to the unique flavors of the Caribbean. Haitian Tomtom is a great option for a quick and easy meal that everyone will love.
With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious Caribbean meal ready to enjoy. So, let’s give it a try!