| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 97 | 7g | 1g | 8g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 2g | 1g | 0.2g |
When I first shared the recipe for Grilled West Indian Gherkins with Spices, it was with the kind of excitement you only get when you stumble upon a truly phenomenal dish. One that not only warms the belly but also the heart; a culinary gem that’s a testament to the power of flavor amalgamation, a beautiful concatenation of my Southern roots and my West African heritage, blending into a delicious fusion of Afro-Southern flavors.
An Unforgettable Fusion Feast
Grilled West Indian Gherkins with Spices – the name itself is a tantalising hint of the feast to come. Gherkins, or baby cucumbers, are a staple in Southern cuisine. They’re often pickled and served as a tangy accompaniment to sandwiches or barbeque. However, in this particular dish, they are the star on the plate. Borrowing from my West African roots, the gherkins are grilled and bathed in a harmony of spices – turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom, with a dash of black pepper and salt to taste, while the grape seed oil helps to intensify the flavors.
If you’ve had the pleasure of sampling dishes like Sukuma Wiki from East Africa or the Southern American low-country favorite, okra and tomatoes, you’ll find a similar delight ‘meeting’ the Grilled West Indian Gherkins with Spices. It makes a heavenly pair with Southern Fried Chicken for meat lovers, or caramelized plantains for my vegetarian foodies – an exciting facet of Afro-Southern fusion cuisine.
Health Notes
Happily, health and taste walk hand in hand with this recipe. West Indian Gherkins are lauded for being high in essential nutrients like vitamin K and vitamin A, supporting heart health and boosting eye health. Meanwhile, the turmeric and cumin in the recipe are wonderful allies in fighting inflammation. Go ahead, indulge: it’s all the flavor without the guilt!
Whether you’re a seasoned chef, an adventurous foodie, or someone who just loves a good, wholesome dish, I’m more than pleased to share Grilled West Indian Gherkins with Spices with you. May this recipe bring as much joy to your table as it brings to mine.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of West Indian gherkins
- 3 tablespoons of grape seed oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of garlic paste
- Juice of one lime
- 6 skewers for grilling
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, you can start preparing the West Indian gherkins.
Step Two
Wash the West Indian gherkins and pat them dry. Then you can thread them onto the skewers. Aim to have an even distribution on all six skewers.
Step Three
In a small bowl, combine the grape seed oil, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cardamom, salt to taste, pepper and garlic paste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined into a thick spice paste.
Step Four
Apply the spice mix all over the skewered gherkins, making sure to cover all sides. Leave them to marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes before you grill them.
Step Five
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill each side for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, or until the gherkins are slightly charred and cooked through. Make sure to turn the skewers periodically to assure even grilling.
Step Six
Once the skewers are nicely grilled, remove from the heat. Drizzle the juice of one lime all over the grilled gherkins for that extra tang. Your Grilled West Indian Gherkins with Spices are now ready to serve. Enjoy!
