Callaloo

Callaloo(/ˌkæləˈluː/KAL-ə-LOO,Jamaican Patois:[kalalu]; many spelling variants, such askallaloo,calaloo,calalloo,calaloux,orcallalloo)is a plant used in popular dishes in many Caribbean countries, while for other Caribbean countries, a stew made with the plant is called callaloo. Cuisines, including the plant callaloo or dishes called callaloo, vary throughout the Caribbean. In countries such as Trinidad and Tobago or Grenada, the dish itself is called callaloo and usestaroleaves (known by many local names such as 'dasheen bush', 'callaloo bush', or 'bush') orXanthosomaleaves (known by many names, includingcocoyamandtannia).
Since the leafvegetableused in some regions differs, some confusion can arise among the vegetables with the dish itself. This, as is the case with many other Caribbean dishes, is a remnant of West African and Taino cuisine.
There are two possible etymological origins for the word. The first deriving fromTupicaárurú, meaning thick leaf.The other being fromKimbundukalulúreferring to okra, similar to the present use of the word inHaitian CreoleandSão Tomean Portuguese.
Trinbagonians, Grenadians, andDominicansprimarily use taro/ dasheen bush for callaloo, althoughDominicansalso usewater spinach.Jamaicans, Belizeans,St. Lucians, and Guyanese, on the other hand, use the namecallalooto refer to an indigenous variation of amaranth, and use it in a plethora of dishes and as a drink ("callaloo juice").The "callaloo" made inJamaicais different from the "callaloo" made inTrinidad and Tobago,Grenada, and the rest of the Caribbean in terms of the main ingredient (the leaf used) and other ingredients included.
Jamaicans tend to steam callaloo leaf with garlic, carrots, local powdered seasoning, tomatoes, salt, Scotch bonnet peppers, onions, scallions, thyme, sweet pepper, pimento, with or without salt fish or other meats and even in rice or their famous patty pastries. Trinidadians and Saint Lucians, however, use dasheen bush, okra, coconut milk, pumpkin, onions, bell peppers, local seasonings, and spices, along with crabs or pigtails.
"Callaloo" in Trinidad is found in a variety of dishes, including callaloo soup or "oil down". Callaloo is one of thenational dishesofTrinidad and TobagoandDominica, although this soup can be found all around the Caribbean as one of the regional cuisine’s “foodie favorites”.
Callaloo in Trinidad and Tobago and other eastern Caribbean countries is generally made withokraand dasheen or water spinachIpomoea aquatica.  There are many variations of callaloo which may includecoconut milk,crab,conch,Caribbean lobster,meats,pumpkin,chili peppers, and otherseasoningssuch as chopped onions and garlic. The ingredients are added and simmered down to a somewhat stew-like consistency. When done, callaloo is dark green in colour and is served as a side dish which may be used as a gravy for other food.
Callaloo is widely known throughout the Caribbean and has a distinctively Caribbean origin, utilising indigenous (Xanthosoma) plants and modified with African influences, such as okra. (Seepalaver saucefor the West African dish.) Trinidadians have embraced this dish from their ancestors and over time have added ingredients such as coconut milk to modify its flavour. Callaloo is mostly served as a side dish; for Trinidadians, Bajans, and Grenadians it usually accompanies rice, macaroni pie, and a meat of choice. In Guyana it is made in various ways without okra.
In Jamaica, callaloo is often combined withsaltfishor other meats, and is usually seasoned with garlic, carrots, local powdered seasoning, tomatoes, salt, scotch bonnet peppers, onions, scallions, thyme, sweet pepper, pimento and steamed. It is often eaten as a side dish with a full course meal, or as either breakfast or dinner with roasted breadfruit, boiled green bananas and dumplings, or bread. It is a popular and versatile dish that is even added to Jamaican patties,called vegetable/vegie/vagan patties,seasoned rice, as well as Fritters
In Grenada, callaloo is steamed with garlic, onion and coconut milk and often eaten as a side dish. Grenadians also stir or blend the mixture until it has a smooth consistent texture. Callaloo soup comprising callaloo, okra (optional), dumplings, ground provision like yam, potato (sweet and "Irish") chicken and beef is traditionally eaten on Saturdays. It is also one of the most important ingredients inoil down, the island's national dish comprising steamed breadfruit, callaloo, dumplings, ground provision, carrot and several varieties of meat—salt fish, chicken, and pork. All of this is steamed in coconut milk and saffron powder.
In the Virgin Islands, callaloo is served with a dish offungeeon the side.
In Guadeloupe,calalou au crabe(crab callaloo) is a traditional Easter dish.
In St. Lucia, crab callaloo is also popular especially as part of the country'sCreoleday celebrations.
Martinique and Guadeloupe also have a variety served with Creole rice and salt cod salad.
A similar variation is the recipe calledlaingwhich is popular in the Philippines, mainly the Bicol region.