Tropical Taktouka Delight

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Moroccan Taktouka is transformed into a Caribbean delight by incorporating ingredients commonly found in the United States Virgin Islands. The addition of scotch bonnet peppers, pineapple, and lime juice gives the dish a tropical twist, infusing it with the flavors of the Caribbean. The spices remain true to the original recipe, providing a harmonious blend of Moroccan and Caribbean flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Taktouka, so you can check it out.

• 2 red bell peppers, roasted and diced (450g / 1lb) 2 red bell peppers, roasted and diced (450g / 1lb)
• 2 tomatoes, diced (300g / 10.5oz) 2 tomatoes, diced (300g / 10.5oz)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (150g / 5.3oz) 1 onion, finely chopped (150g / 5.3oz)
• 2 scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and minced (use gloves) (10g / 0.35oz) 2 scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and minced (use gloves) (10g / 0.35oz)
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (150g / 5.3oz) 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (150g / 5.3oz)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml) 2 tablespoons lime juice (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g) 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (5g) 1 teaspoon ground coriander (5g)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (2.5g) 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (2.5g)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 14g, 8g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the red bell peppers on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered.
3. 3.
   Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and dice the roasted peppers.
4. 4.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the diced tomatoes, minced scotch bonnet peppers, ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground allspice to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6.
   Stir in the diced roasted bell peppers, fresh pineapple, and lime juice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. 9.
   Serve warm or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Roasting the bell peppers adds a smoky flavor to the dish. Make sure to remove the skin and seeds before dicing.
• Scotch bonnet peppers — Handle scotch bonnet peppers with gloves to avoid skin irritation. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of spiciness.
• Pineapple — Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor. Dice it into small pieces to evenly distribute the sweetness throughout the dish.
• Lime juice — Squeeze fresh lime juice for a tangy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preference.
• Cilantro — Fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch to the dish. Garnish just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of scotch bonnet peppers or remove the seeds.
• Serve Tropical Taktouka Delight as a side dish with grilled fish or chicken for a complete Caribbean meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day as a flavorful salsa or dip.
• Adjust the spices according to your taste preference. Add more cumin for an earthy flavor or increase the allspice for a bolder taste.
• Experiment with different types of peppers, such as habanero or jalapeno, to customize the level of spiciness.

Serving advice

Serve Tropical Taktouka Delight warm or at room temperature as a side dish or condiment. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a topping for tacos or burgers. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present Tropical Taktouka Delight in a colorful serving dish to showcase its vibrant ingredients. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing touch. Serve with warm tortilla chips or toasted pita bread for dipping.