15 BVI Recipes to Bring the Caribbean Flavor Home

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are known for their stunning beaches and vibrant culture, and the local cuisine is a big part of that experience. Exploring BVI recipes allows you to bring the flavors of this tropical paradise into your own kitchen. With a mix of fresh ingredients and unique spices, these dishes will give you a taste of island life no matter where you are.

From hearty meals to refreshing drinks, BVI recipes offer something for everyone. You can easily impress friends and family with these delicious, easy-to-follow dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of the islands.

Whether you’re planning a special occasion or just want to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean, these recipes are sure to delight.

1) Saltfish Buljol

Saltfish Buljol is a tasty dish popular in the Caribbean. It uses salted fish, mainly cod, which gives it a unique flavor. You can enjoy it for breakfast or any meal of the day.

To start, you’ll need to prepare the saltfish. Boil it in water to remove excess salt. Once it cools, flake the fish into smaller pieces.

Next, mix in chopped onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers. You can also add hot pepper to taste. A splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon or lime brighten up the dish.

Saltfish Buljol is simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Serve it with bread or by itself for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb saltfish (salted cod)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
• 1-2 tbsp hot pepper sauce (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 lemon or lime, juiced

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil the saltfish in water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Let it cool and flake into pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix the fish with onions, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
4. Add hot pepper, olive oil, and lemon or lime juice.
5. Stir well and serve.

2) BVI-Style Peas Soup

BVI-Style Peas Soup is a hearty dish perfect for warming up on a cool day. This traditional recipe uses ingredients that are common in the British Virgin Islands. The soup is often rich in flavor and can be made with various meats.

One of the key ingredients is salted pigs’ tails, which adds a unique taste. If you prefer, you can also use salt pork. Red kidney beans bring a creamy texture to the soup while providing protein.

Ingredients

• 2 lb. salted pigs’ tails or salt pork, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 lb. dried red kidney beans
• 2 tbsp. canola oil or pork fat

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the dried red kidney beans overnight.
2. In a large pot, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
3. Add the salted pigs’ tails or salt pork and cook until browned.
4. Drain and add the soaked beans to the pot.
5. Fill with enough water to cover the ingredients.
6. Simmer for about 2 hours until beans are soft.
7. Season to taste and serve hot.

3) Tropical Passion Fruit Punch

Tropical Passion Fruit Punch is a refreshing drink that brings the taste of the islands to your home. The combination of sweet passion fruit and tangy citrus makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.

To make this punch, you’ll need fresh passion fruit, orange juice, and pineapple juice. The addition of coconut water brings a smooth and tropical flavor, making every sip delightful.

Mix your ingredients together in a large pitcher. Serve it over ice for a chilled treat that brightens up your day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup passion fruit juice
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup coconut water
• Ice

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine the passion fruit juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, and coconut water in a pitcher.
2. Stir the mixture well.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice. Enjoy your refreshing drink!

4) Conch Fritters

Conch fritters are a delicious and popular dish from the British Virgin Islands. They are made with fresh conch meat that is tender and flavorful. These fritters are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a tasty snack or appetizer.

To prepare conch fritters, you’ll need flour, egg, milk, and seasonings like cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mixing in diced conch meat, onion, and bell pepper adds great flavor too.

Once you have your batter ready, drop spoonfuls of it into hot oil, heated to 365°F (185°C). Fry until golden brown, and enjoy your tasty fritters with some dipping sauce!

Ingredients

• Conch meat
• Flour
• Egg
• Milk
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion
• Bell pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Tenderize and dice the conch meat.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, egg, and milk.
3. Season the mixture with cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
4. Add in diced conch meat, onion, and bell pepper.
5. Heat oil to 365°F (185°C) in a pot.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the oil.
7. Fry until golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels.

5) Island BBQ Ribs

Island BBQ ribs are a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the British Virgin Islands. The marinade combines tropical ingredients that add a tasty twist to traditional barbecue.

Start by coating your ribs with a flavorful mix of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Let them marinate for a few hours to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Next, place the ribs in a roasting pan, cover it with foil, and bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 1.5 hours. After that, remove the foil, raise the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for another 30 minutes. Basting with the juices keeps them moist and tasty.

Ingredients

• Ribs
• Pineapple juice
• Soy sauce
• Brown sugar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix together the marinade ingredients.
3. Coat the ribs with the marinade and let them sit for hours.
4. Place the ribs in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
5. Bake for 1.5 hours.
6. Remove the foil and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
7. Bake for another 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes.

6) Fish and Fungi

Fish and fungi is a beloved dish from the British Virgin Islands. It features tender fish cooked in a flavorful sauce alongside a side of fungi, which is a type of cornmeal dish. You’re in for a treat with this comforting combination.

To make the fish, gather your ingredients and place them in a large saucepan. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and simmer until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

For the fungi, start by boiling water and adding okra. Blend cornmeal with water in a separate bowl. Mix everything together until smooth for a delightful side to your fish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb firm white fish (like red snapper)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• 5 oz okra
• ¾ cup fine yellow cornmeal
• 1¼ cups boiling water
• 1 tbsp butter
• ⅛ tsp pepper
• Lime slices for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Place fish and other sauce ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat.
3. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until fish flakes easily.
4. Boil water in another pot and add okra.
5. In a bowl, mix cornmeal with water until smooth.
6. Combine cornmeal mixture with okra.
7. Serve fish with fungi on the side, garnished with lime.

7) Johnny Cakes

Johnny cakes are a beloved dish in the British Virgin Islands. They are fluffy, fried cakes made from simple ingredients. You can serve them for breakfast or as a snack with fish.

To make your own Johnny cakes, you will need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and water. The dough is easy to prepare and can be shaped into small rounds for frying.

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C). Carefully place each dough round in the hot oil and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Enjoy your homemade Johnny cakes warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce or even on their own!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
3. Stir in water to form a dough.
4. Shape dough into small rounds.
5. Heat oil in a frying pan.
6. Fry rounds until golden brown.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

8) Goat Water Stew

Goat Water is a delicious and flavorful stew from the Caribbean. This hearty dish combines tender goat meat with various spices and vegetables. It’s a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need bone-in goat meat, chicken or beef stock, and a mix of aromatics like garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Don’t forget the vegetable options, which can include celery and onions.

For cooking, heat some oil in a pot and brown the goat meat. Add your spices and stock, then bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs (1.8 kg) bone-in goat meat
• 1.5 quarts (1.5 l) chicken or beef stock
• 3 tablespoons oil (palm, coconut, or peanut)
• Aromatics: garlic, thyme, bay leaves, celery, and onion

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the goat meat in oil.
2. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaves.
3. Pour in stock and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 2-2.5 hours until tender.

9) BVI Banana Bread

BVI Banana Bread is a delicious treat that captures tropical flavors. It’s moist, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Many people enjoy it fresh from the oven.

To make this banana bread, you only need a few simple ingredients. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. You can enjoy it plain or add nuts for some crunch.

This recipe is a wonderful way to use overripe bananas. The bread is easy to share with friends and family, making it a popular choice in the British Virgin Islands.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/3 cup (75g) melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork.
3. Stir in the melted butter.
4. Mix in the baking soda and salt.
5. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; mix well.
6. Stir in the flour until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
8. Bake for 60 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

10) Coconut Tart

Coconut tart is a beloved dessert in the British Virgin Islands. It has a delicious crust and a sweet, creamy coconut filling. This treat is perfect for any occasion.

To make this tart, you will start with a flaky pastry crust. Then, you’ll mix grated coconut, sugar, and a few other simple ingredients for the filling. Once baked, the tart becomes golden and fragrant.

This dessert is often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations. It brings a taste of the tropics to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon table salt
• 8 oz. cold unsalted butter
• 1 whole egg
• 2 cups grated coconut
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles crumbs.
4. Add the egg and mix until dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan.
6. Bake the crust for 5 minutes and set it aside.
7. In a saucepan, mix coconut, sugar, and water.
8. Cook until combined, then remove from heat.
9. Pour the filling into the crust.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until set and golden. Enjoy!

11) Curry Chicken Roti

Curry Chicken Roti is a delicious and popular dish in the British Virgin Islands. It combines tender chicken with flavorful curry and is wrapped in a soft, warm roti. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner.

To make this dish, you will need boneless chicken, garlic, curry powder, potatoes, and some basic spices. The spices give the chicken its rich flavor. You can add vegetables if you like.

The roti itself is easy to make or can be bought at some stores. Once you have everything ready, the combination of curry chicken and roti creates a satisfying meal that transports you to the Caribbean.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt (optional)
• 4 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 yellow potatoes, boiled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4-6 Tbsp curry powder

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in curry powder, potatoes, and salt.
5. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
6. Serve the curry chicken wrapped in warm roti. Enjoy!

12) Island Style Rice and Peas

Island style rice and peas is a popular dish in the British Virgin Islands. It’s known for its rich flavor and filling nature. People often enjoy it as a side dish or a main course.

The dish typically uses rice, red kidney beans, and coconut milk. You can add spices like thyme and garlic for extra taste. The combination of creamy coconut and hearty beans makes it a local favorite.

You may find variations across the Caribbean, but the essence remains the same: delicious and comforting food that brings people together.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine all ingredients.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes (about 93-125°C).
5. Fluff it with a fork before serving.

13) Tamarind Juice

Tamarind juice is a delicious, tangy drink that’s refreshing and easy to make. You’ll love its unique flavor, perfect for a hot day or any time you want something special.

Start by gathering ripe tamarind pods. You need about 2 blocks of tamarind or a jar of organic tamarind paste. Break the pods and remove the outer shell and seeds.

Next, soak the tamarind in warm water. This makes it easier to extract the pulp. After about 10 minutes, mash the pulp with your hands or a fork.

Strain the mixture into a pitcher. Add water to your taste and some sugar or honey for sweetness. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can enhance the flavor too.

Serve it chilled in glasses with ice.

Ingredients

• 2 blocks tamarind or 1 jar organic tamarind paste
• 4 cups warm water
• Sugar or honey (to taste)
• Lime juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Remove the outer shell and seeds from the tamarind.
2. Soak the tamarind in warm water for 10 minutes.
3. Mash the pulp and strain it into a pitcher.
4. Add water, sweetener, and lime juice to taste.
5. Serve the juice chilled with ice.

14) Papaya Banana Smoothie

A Papaya Banana Smoothie is a delicious and refreshing drink you can enjoy any time. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor.

To prepare, you’ll need ripe papaya and banana. These fruits are naturally sweet and provide plenty of vitamins. Adding yogurt or milk makes it creamy and rich.

This smoothie can be a perfect breakfast option or a snack. It will fuel your day with healthy nutrients and taste good too.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 small ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 large ripe papaya, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

15) Callaloo Soup

Callaloo soup is a delicious and hearty dish popular in the British Virgin Islands. Made primarily with callaloo leaves, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. You can also add various meats for a richer taste.

To start, sauté onion, garlic, and any desired meats in coconut oil. Then, add chopped callaloo leaves, along with okra and other veggies like dasheen or spinach.

Pour in water or broth to create the soup base. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender. You might enjoy blending part of the soup for a creamier texture.

Ingredients

• Callaloo leaves (or spinach)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Okra
• Dasheen or sweet potato
• Coconut oil
• Chicken or beef (optional)
• Water or broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.

2. Sauté chopped onion and garlic for 1 minute.

3. Add chopped callaloo and okra.

4. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the ingredients.

5. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the veggies are tender.