WE FOOD

The Ultimate Bajan Stuffing

Stuffing is a traditional side dish that you will find on most Bajan tables on Christmas day. But, instead of bread, Wibisco’s Eclipse Crackers are the go-to base for the Ultimate Bajan Stuffing. These crackers are firm and delicious on their own, but when soaked in water, they absorb the flavour of herbs and seasonings nicely.

Photo by Julie-Ann Maughn

This incredible recipe is, at its core, vegan friendly and extremely tasty without the addition of any meat. However, you can also incorporate bacon, ham or seasoned chicken liver and gizzards into The Ultimate Bajan Stuffing if that’s your preference.

Flavour, Flavour, Flavour

Using fresh herbs and a traditional Bajan seasoning made of minced herbs and spices delivers an incredibly savoury stuffing that is both homely and satisfying. You can make your own seasoning or, if you’re short on time, you can grab a bottle of Delish Seasoning in a pinch. This flavour booster strengthens the stuffing’s flavours and allows them to permeate the cavity of the turkey or chicken you will be stuffing.

Pro-Tip: Spice it up!

To perfectly capture the essence of Caribbean cooking, cumin, curry and Scotch Bonnet pepper hit the right heat notes in this stuffing.

Don’t be too dry!

The right water to cracker ratio is important in this recipe. Using hot water is best because it penetrates the crackers better. Cover the cracker and water mixture while preparing the rest of the mixture to allow the crackers to thoroughly absorb the water.

"This flavour booster strengthens the stuffing's flavours and allows them to permeate the cavity of the turkey or chicken you will be stuffing."

The Ultimate Bajan Stuffing Recipe

Ingredients

3 packs of Wibisco Eclipse Crackers

2 cups of hot water

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp thyme, chopped

3 tbsp chives, chopped

1 tsp marjoram, chopped

2 garlic cloves, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

1 large onion, diced

1/2 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp curry powder

2 tsp Delish Bajan Seasoning (extra 2 tsp if adding meat)

6 tbsp Sunflower Spread, melted

1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

6 oz bacon, chicken liver & gizzards or ham finely diced (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.
Break crackers as fine as possible and place into a bowl.
Add the hot water and allow the crackers to soak for ten minutes.
If using chicken and gizzards, season with salt and pepper and an extra 2 tsp of Bajan seasoning and sauté in olive oil until cooked. For the bacon and ham, sauté lightly. Set aside.
Sauté herbs, onion, chives, garlic, Scotch Bonnet pepper and spices in the melted Sunflower spread.
Gently fold the herbs, spices (and meat mixture) into the soaked crackers. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Pour into a greased baking dish and cover. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes.