Imagine having a pantry filled with exotic flavors just waiting to bring an exciting twist to your meals. In this article, we will explore five Surinamese food staples that will do just that. From aromatic spices to rich and versatile condiments, these pantry essentials will transport you to the vibrant culinary world of Suriname. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and embark on a flavorful journey you won’t soon forget. So, grab a pen and paper, because by the end of this article, you’ll be making a grocery list that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
Rice
Rice is an incredibly versatile ingredient that is widely used in Surinamese cuisine. Whether it’s served as a main dish or a side dish, rice is a staple that pairs well with various meats and vegetables. It provides a neutral and comforting base for flavorful dishes to shine.
In Surinamese cooking, rice is not only a filling component of a meal, but it also acts as a canvas for vibrant flavors. From aromatic rice dishes seasoned with spices like cumin and turmeric to coconut rice that adds a touch of sweetness, there are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating rice into Surinamese dishes.
One beloved Surinamese rice dish is nasi, a flavorful fried rice that is often served with sambal, an Indonesian chili condiment. Another popular rice dish is saoto soup, a comforting broth made with chicken, boiled eggs, and various herbs and spices, served with a generous serving of rice on the side.
Rice is also commonly used to make delicious Surinamese desserts. Rice pudding, known as rijstebrij, is a creamy and sweet treat often flavored with cinnamon and raisins. It’s a comforting dessert that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
With its versatility and ability to complement a wide range of flavors, having rice stocked in your pantry is a must for anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of Surinamese cuisine.
Cassava
Cassava is another staple root vegetable in Surinamese cooking. This starchy and hearty vegetable is incredibly versatile and can be cooked in various ways to create both savory and sweet dishes.
One popular use of cassava in Surinamese cuisine is to make cassava bread, a beloved snack. Cassava is grated and then squeezed to remove excess moisture before it is mixed with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. The mixture is then shaped into flat cakes and baked until crispy. The result is a delicious and satisfying gluten-free bread alternative that can be enjoyed on its own or topped with spreads like peanut butter or Gouda cheese.
Cassava can also be boiled, roasted, or mashed, offering a range of textures and flavors. Boiled cassava can be served alongside dishes as a side dish, similar to how rice is commonly enjoyed. Roasted cassava has a slightly crispy exterior and soft interior, making it a great addition to salads or as a side dish. Mashed cassava, on the other hand, has a creamy texture and can be used as a flavorful base for stews or served as a standalone dish.
With its versatility and unique flavor profile, cassava is a staple ingredient that adds depth and variety to Surinamese cuisine.
Pomtajer
Pomtajer is a starchy tuber that is a key ingredient in many Surinamese dishes. Similar to yams or taro, pomtajer is known for its creamy texture when cooked. It is commonly used in soups, stews, and stir-fries, adding a unique flavor and texture to these dishes.
One popular way that pomtajer is used is in the traditional Surinamese dish called pom. Pom is made by combining oven-baked chicken with grated pomtajer, giving the dish its distinct flavor and texture. The grated pomtajer is mixed with citrus juices, garlic, and spices before being layered with the chicken in a baking dish. The dish is then baked until the flavors meld together, creating a delicious and comforting meal.
Pomtajer can also be used as a thickening agent in soups and stews, adding richness and depth to the dishes. Its creamy texture makes it a great substitute for other root vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes, providing a unique twist to traditional recipes.
Pom
Pom is a quintessential Surinamese dish that is often served during special occasions and holidays. This flavorful dish is made with oven-baked chicken and features the creamy texture of pomtajer.
To make pom, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. The marinated chicken is then layered with grated pomtajer in a baking dish. The dish is covered and baked until the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded together.
The result is a dish that is bursting with flavors of citrus, garlic, and spices. The pomtajer adds a creamy texture to the dish, making it a truly satisfying meal. Pom is often served with a side of rice or cassava bread, allowing you to fully enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this traditional Surinamese dish.
Bakkeljauw
Bakkeljauw is another staple ingredient in Surinamese cuisine. It refers to salted and dried codfish, which is used in various dishes to add a unique and savory flavor.
In Surinamese cooking, bakkeljauw is often rehydrated before being used in recipes. It is boiled to remove excess salt and soften the fish, then flaked and incorporated into dishes.
One popular dish that features bakkeljauw is bakkeljauw met rijst, which translates to codfish with rice. In this dish, the rehydrated bakkeljauw is sautéed with onions, garlic, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. It is then mixed with fluffy white rice, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Bakkeljauw can also be added to salads, stir-fries, and even stuffed into pastries, adding a salty and umami-rich element to the dish. Its versatility and distinct flavor make it an essential ingredient in Surinamese cuisine.
By keeping these five Surinamese food staples in your pantry, you’ll be able to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Surinamese cuisine. From the comforting and versatile rice to the unique flavors of cassava, pomtajer, and bakkeljauw, these ingredients will help you create delicious and authentic Surinamese dishes that are sure to impress. So, stock up your pantry and embark on an exciting culinary journey through Surinamese cuisine.