Barbados Style Pizza

Let’s create new pizzas that have never existed! , through the sun-soaked, rum-soaked, and just plain soaked world of Bajan-inspired pizza! This chapter takes you on a culinary rollercoaster through the most famous, classic, and popular foods of Barbados, cleverly reimagined as mouthwatering pizzas. We'll explore the regional flavors, the history of flatbreads, and the culinary legends who have shaped the island's food scene.

A Taste Through Barbados

Bridgetown

Bridgetown, the bustling heart of Barbados, is a melting pot of flavors and innovations. Imagine a pizza crust infused with the essence of Bajan Bakes, a beloved fried dough that’s a breakfast staple. This crispy, golden delight forms the perfect base for a pizza topped with spicy flying fish, reminiscent of the famous Bajan Cou-Cou and Flying Fish. Oh, and don’t forget the drizzle of fiery Bajan pepper sauce—pure magic!

Transitioning to another delight, let's talk about Bajan Cheese. Marinate cheddar with Bajan seasoning, including thyme, marjoram, and green onions—ingredients that scream Barbadian cuisine. This unique cheese adds a creamy, spicy kick to our pizza, making each bite a celebration of flavors.

Oistin

Oistins, known for its seafood, inspires a pizza that’s a true oceanic delight. Picture this: a crust made from cassava flour, giving it a light, crispy texture. On top, we have a sumptuous topping of grilled dolphin (mahi-mahi), a staple at the Oistins Fish Fry. The crowning glory? A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime, capturing the coastal zest of Oistins.

For the cheese aficionados, marinate mozzarella in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, adding a tangy, aromatic twist that complements the seafood topping perfectly.

Speightstown style:

Speightstown, famed for its rich culinary heritage, brings a unique touch to our pizza adventure. Imagine a flatbread made from cornmeal, reminiscent of Bajan Cou-Cou. This sturdy yet soft base is ideal for holding a hearty topping of pork stew, a dish deeply rooted in Speightstown's traditions.

For an added Bajan flair, how about some Bajan Flakes? Blend dried scotch bonnet peppers with thyme and allspice for a zesty, spicy sprinkle that’ll make your taste buds dance. And the cheese? Oh, marinate feta in lime juice, garlic, and thyme, creating a refreshing, tangy, and slightly salty cheese that pairs beautifully with the pork stew.

Dough: The Foundation of Flavor

Bajan Bakes Pizza Crust

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 1 tsp salt

- Oil for frying

Mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water, kneading until smooth. Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and fry until golden brown. Bake at 400°F until golden.

Cassava Flour Crust

- 2 cups cassava flour

- 1 cup water

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tbsp olive oil

Combine ingredients, kneading until smooth. Roll out dough, brush with olive oil. Bake at 375°F until crisp.

Cou-Cou Cornmeal Crust

- 2 cups cornmeal

- 1/2 cup warm water

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp salt

Mix cornmeal and salt, add water, and knead until smooth. Roll out and bake at 375°F until lightly browned.

Toppings: From Classic to Creative

Bajan Spicy Flying Fish

- 1 lb flying fish, filleted

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 tsp Bajan seasoning

- 1 tsp turmeric

- 1 tsp chili powder

- 2 tbsp vinegar

- Salt to taste

Sauté onions until golden, add spices and tomatoes. Cook until soft, add flying fish, and cook until done. Stir in vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes.

Oistins Grilled Dolphin

- 1 lb mahi-mahi, filleted

- 1 onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 tsp lime juice

- 1 tsp turmeric

- Salt to taste

Sauté onions and garlic until golden. Add spices and tomatoes, cook until thick. Add mahi-mahi, cook until tender and grilled.

Speightstown Pork Stew

- 1 lb pork, cubed

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 tsp allspice

- 1 tsp thyme

- 2 tsp chile powder

- Salt to taste

Sauté onions until golden, add spices and pork. Cook until pork is tender and flavorful.

Cheese in Bajan

Bajan Cheddar

- 1 block cheddar, cubed

- 2 tbsp Bajan seasoning

- 1 tsp thyme

- 2 green onions, chopped

- Salt to taste

Marinate cheddar in Bajan seasoning, thyme, green onions, and salt for 30 minutes.

Lime-Garlic Mozzarella

- 1 cup mozzarella, cubed

- 1 lime, juiced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Marinate mozzarella in lime juice, garlic, and cilantro for 30 minutes.

Thyme-Lime Feta

- 1 cup feta, cubed

- 1 lime, juiced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp chopped thyme

Marinate feta in lime juice, garlic, and thyme for 30 minutes.

### Flakes and Seasonings: Spice Up Your Slice

Bajan Flakes

- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, dried and ground

- 1 tbsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp allspice

Combine and sprinkle on pizza for a tangy, spicy kick.

And there you have it—Bajan-inspired pizzas that take your taste buds on a wild, flavorful ride through the vibrant regions of Barbados. From the bustling streets of Bridgetown to the coastal zest of Oistins and the rich flavors of Speightstown, these pizzas are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Barbados.

References

Bajan Cou-Cou and Flying Fish is a traditional Barbadian dish made with cornmeal and okra, often served with fried or steamed flying fish.

Oistins Fish Fry is a popular weekly event in Barbados, where locals and tourists gather to enjoy fresh seafood and live music.

Bajan seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices commonly used in Barbadian cuisine, including thyme, marjoram, green onions, garlic, and scotch bonnet peppers.

Rahman, A. (2019). Flavors of Bridgetown: A Culinary Journey. Bridgetown: Bridgetown Press.

Ahmed, S. (2020). Oistins Cuisine: A Coastal Treasure. Oistins: Coastal Publications.

Hossain, M. (2018). Speightstown: The Land of Flavors. Speightstown: Speightstown Press.