Belly Full: Exploring Caribbean Cuisine through 11 Fundamental Ingredients and Over 100 Recipes

by Lesley Enston

A delectable exploration of Caribbean cuisine through 105 recipes based on eleven staple ingredients, featuring powerful insights into the shared history of the diaspora and gorgeous photography.

“Lesley’s recipes inspire in the ways they approach, transcend, and unify cultural boundaries on page after delicious page.”—Hawa Hassan, author of In Bibi’s Kitchen

Across the English-speaking Caribbean, “me belly full” can mean more than just a satisfied stomach, but a heart and soul that’s full too. In Belly Full, food writer of Trinidadian descent Lesley Enston brings us into the overlapping histories of the Caribbean islands through their rich cultures and cuisines.

Eleven staple ingredients—beans, calabaza, cassava, chayote, coconut, cornmeal, okra, plantains, rice, salted cod, and scotch bonnet peppers—hold echoes of familiarity from one island to the next, and their widespread use comes in part from the harrowing impact of the Atlantic Slave Trade and colonialism. As Lesley delves into how history shaped each country and territory’s cuisine, she shows us what we can learn from each island (such as Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and Cuba) and encourages us to celebrate the delicious differences.

Belly Full provides basic knowledge on choosing, storing, and preparing these ingredients as well as a mix of traditional and creative adaptations to dishes. Recipes are mostly gluten-free and plant-based and include:

• Cornmeal: Pen Mayi from Haiti and Conkies from Barbados
• Okra: Callaloo from Trinidad and Tobago and Fungee from Antigua
• Plantains: Mofongo from Puerto Rico and Tortilla de Plátano Maduro from Cuba
• Salted Cod: Ackee and Saltfish from Jamaica and Accras de Morue from Martinique

Belly Full, with its breadth of stories, recipes, and stunning photography, will leave your stomach and heart more than satisfied.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Deniz]

Belly Full is a delightful celebration of Caribbean flavors and culture that goes beyond just recipes. The thoughtful inclusion of common substitutes for harder-to-find ingredients makes it accessible for those of us who may not have a multi cultural grocery store nearby.

What truly sets this cookbook apart are the personal stories accompanying each recipe. These heartfelt anecdotes not only bring the dishes to life but also provide a glimpse into the rich traditions and heritage of the Caribbean. It feels like you’re being invited into someone’s home and learning their cherished family recipes firsthand.

I can’t wait to try some of these recipes out! 😃

[Tina]

This book is a vibrant and engaging exploration of Caribbean cuisine that combines personal anecdotes, cultural insights, and over 100 recipes centered around eleven essential ingredients. This cookbook not only serves as a culinary guide but also as a celebration of the rich history and diverse flavors of the Caribbean.

Enston's writing is infused with warmth and humor, making the book accessible to both seasoned cooks and those new to Caribbean cooking. The structure revolves around eleven fundamental ingredients, such as plantains, Scotch bonnet peppers, and coconut, which serve as the backbone for a variety of dishes. This approach allows readers to understand how these staples can be transformed into different meals, reflecting the versatility of Caribbean cuisine.

The recipes in Belly Full are thoughtfully curated, showcasing traditional dishes alongside modern interpretations. For instance, Enston shares her family recipes while also incorporating her own culinary experiments. This blend of tradition and innovation invites readers to explore the flavors of the Caribbean in their own kitchens. Reviewers have praised the book for its clear instructions and enticing photographs that bring each dish to life.

A significant aspect of Belly Full is its emphasis on storytelling. Enston shares personal memories connected to food, highlighting how meals can evoke nostalgia and connect generations. The book delves into the historical context of Caribbean ingredients and cooking methods, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind each dish. This narrative element enriches the reading experience, making it more than just a collection of recipes.

Belly Full by Lesley Enston is a delightful homage to Caribbean cuisine that successfully marries culinary instruction with personal storytelling. Its focus on fundamental ingredients offers both practicality and creativity, encouraging readers to experiment while honoring tradition. For anyone interested in exploring the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean or seeking to expand their culinary repertoire, this cookbook is an essential addition to their collection.

[Teresa]

Large variety of recipes from different areas,with tips and ingredient details, can’t wait to try out some of these recipes

[Jessica]

I want to try every single recipe, and the history behind each one is gorgeous and told in such a way that I want to know so much more about each culture