Jamaican Jerk Kabobs
prep + cook time: 35 min
Native Taino people of Jamaica developed this world-famous slow-smoke rub pit cooking technique they called ‘Barabicu’-- sound familiar BBQ fans?
Escaped African enslaved people integrated with the Tainos to form Maroon villages and shared their own spices and cooking techniques
Barabicu pits were strategically dug so that wild boar sizzling deliciously under the crackling wood it was skillfully covered to hide the tantalizing smoke from the Spanish and then British soldiers.
Jerk is now famous around the world and synonymous with Jamaican culture.
Next time we savor the incredible taste of JERK SEASONING, we’re not only experiencing delicious flavors, we’re embracing a rich history and culture.
Wha Wi Ago Need
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2-3 bamboo or metal skewers per person
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1 tsp Queen Nanny’s Machete QUEEN NANNY'S MACHETE JERK SEASONING (improves blood circulation & vitamin C which helps iron absorb)
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3 Tbsp. lime/ or lemon juice (vit. C)
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1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce(I like Japaense Shoyu)
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1/4 cup Sunflower oil or olive oil (Omega 3 & Omega 6)
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Calabash Hawaiian Black Lava Salt sprinkle after cooking (electrolytes + minerals)
Queen Nanny was the leader of the Windward Maroons. A brilliant military tactician, who fought British soldiers with 2 machetes in hand, she was also revered for her knowledge of Traditional African Spirituality and Herbalism... for both warfare and healing. She is a National Jamaican Hero who appears on the $500 bill.
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Cut your favorite veggies into 2"x 2" cubes/rectangles
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Heirloom tomatoes - rich in lycopene is an antioxidant that belongs to the carotenoid group. It's found in high amounts in red and pink fruits.
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Green zucchini and yellow squash - brimming with vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. Also offers carotenoids—specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. These help shield our skin from UV rays and pollution—according to scientific studies—and also may slow skin aging by helping to keep skin hydrated and elastic.
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Onions, scallion, shallots - Immune system booster, loaded with anti-oxidants and helps control blood sugar
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Shiitake, Oyster, Lionsmane mushrooms - rich in potassium & they help lower cholesterol. I like these mushrooms better than portobellos on the grill. Less spongy and have lower water content so they firm up in a meaty way.
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Protein - I use tofu, sausage, seitan, chick’n or your fav
FAST FACT: JERK is also known for its medicinal benefits. It acts as a vasodilator, helping blood pressure. Also high in Vitamin C too! Plus, it can help lower blood pressure. That's a triple win!
Mek Wi Dweet
- Combine all jerk sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix
- Build each skewer by pushing it through the center of each vegetable cube. Mix it up & have fun! It's easy to create an edible work of art out of each kabob because the veggie colours are already stunning.
- Lay skewers in a lasagne pan size
- Pour jerk sauce mix over the veggies and rotate skewers to coat well.
- Heat grill to medium-low; lightly oil grates. Set skewers on grill and cook each side for 5 minutes (there are only 2 sides to the skewer).
- Let rest 3-4 minutes before serving.
