Callaloo (Caribbean Spinach Stew)

Callaloo is a leafy green native to the Caribbean, from which this stew takes its name. The Spruce Eats writes: “In a large country, callaloo gets complicated because the country boasts a variety of leafy greens which are collectively referred to as callaloo. Bok choy, for example, can sometimes be marked and sold as a type of callaloo. The callaloo made in Jamaica is different from the callaloo made in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, the Virgin Islands, and Guadeloupe.” Timesaver: Use frozen chopped spinach and/or kale, collards or Swiss chard, and diced, fresh squash. Buy the sofrito, and buy frozen sliced okra.

4 Servings


Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1  medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, mashed

4 sprigs thyme, pinch the leave off and discard the stems

3  scallions, sliced

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons sofrito (see below for recipe)

1 ½ cups diced sweet potato

1 ½ cups sliced okra

2 cups diced butternut squash

8 cups chopped spinach

1  whole jalapeño

2 cups coconut milk

2 cups water

1 tablespoon lemon juice


  1. Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot. Add the diced onion, garlic, thyme, chopped scallions, black pepper and salt. Lower the heat to simmer and continue to cook, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes. Add sofrito; stir to combine.
  2. Add the cubed sweet potato, chopped okra, squash and stir well.
  3. Increase heat to medium and add the chopped spinach and whole jalapeno. Top with the coconut milk, water, and lemon juice.
  4. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
  5. As it comes to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 40-50 minutes. 
  6. Remove the jalapeno before serving and discard.
  7. Using a potato masher, a fork, an immersion blender or food processor; pour into a regular blender and process until smooth, pulsing to minimize frothiness.

Nutrition

(nutrition info here)


Carbon Impact

(carbon info here)