Cou Cou
Cou Cou is a cherished Caribbean comfort food, celebrated for its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. This traditional dish combines fine cornmeal and fresh okra, simmered together to create a rich, smooth base seasoned with butter and a touch of salt. With its origins deeply rooted in Barbadian cuisine, Cou Cou is a must-try for those looking to explore authentic island flavors. The recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, featuring a straightforward technique of stirring the cornmeal and okra mixture until it reaches a luscious consistency. Perfectly paired with stewed fish, hearty gravies, or sautéed vegetables, Cou Cou is a versatile side dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Whether you're recreating Caribbean classics or seeking a new culinary adventure, Cou Cou’s simplicity and soul-warming taste make it a standout addition to any meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Fine cornmeal
- 8 pieces Fresh okra
- 3 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Vegetable oil
Instructions
Wash the okra thoroughly and cut the tips and tops off. Slice them into thin rounds.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add sliced okra and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Simmer the okra for 10-12 minutes until it becomes soft and the water turns slightly viscous. Reduce the heat to low.
In a separate bowl, gradually combine the cornmeal with 1 cup of water. Mix to form a smooth paste with no lumps.
Slowly add the cornmeal paste to the simmering okra and its cooking liquid, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a whisk to avoid lumps.
Continue to stir the mixture in one direction while cooking over low heat. It will gradually thicken into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the pot, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.
Taste the Cou Cou and adjust the salt, if needed.
Once the mixture begins to pull away cleanly from the sides of the pan, it is ready. Remove it from the heat.
To serve, scoop the Cou Cou into a greased bowl and press it down firmly into shape. Turn it out onto a plate and serve hot, typically alongside stewed vegetables, gravy, or fish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
938 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.7 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.8 g | 69% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 2545 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 148.9 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 14.7 g | 29% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 126 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 501 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
