Celebrate Bahamas Independence with 4 Courses of Traditional Food

Bahamian cuisine is a unique fusion of African, Caribbean and European influences, bringing together fresh seafood, tropical fruits and a plethora of spices into a variety of tasty dishes. Whether you’re enjoying a seaside feast or a festive family gathering, Bahamian cuisine is sure to delight with its bold flavors. We’re diving into some dishes for seafood lovers with a full four course meal of traditional delights ahead of the Bahamas Independence Day. 

Bahamian Johnnycake

Johnnycake is a traditional Bahamian bread, slightly sweet and dense and perfect for accompanying any meal in the Bahamas. If you’re asking us, it also makes for a delicious midnight snack!

What you need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup shortening or butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• ¾ cup milk (add more as needed)

What to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
3. Add the chilled shortening or butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the milk, mixing until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky. Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to get to the desired consistency.
5. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Pat the dough into a round disk, about 1 inch thick.
6. Place the dough on a greased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the Johnnycake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter or jam as your guests are arriving. 

Conch Salad

It’s only right that we include conch, the national dish of the Bahamas, in our meal. This conch salad makes for a fresh and zesty appetizer that showcases the island’s love for fresh seafood.

What you need:

• 1 pound fresh conch meat, diced
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 orange, juiced
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

What to do:

1. Dice the conch meat into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped onion, bell peppers, tomato and cucumber.
3. Add the diced conch to the bowl of vegetables.
4. Squeeze the juice of the limes and orange over the conch and vegetables. Add hot sauce if using.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well mixed.
6. Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to “cook” the conch. The acid from the lime juice essentially cooks the conch meat without heat. 
7. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Rock Lobster

This Bahamian Rock Lobster, also known as spiny lobster, is a delicacy often grilled or steamed and enjoyed with a side of melted butter for the perfect main course.

What you need:

• 4 Bahamian rock lobster tails
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon or lime wedges for serving

What to do:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shells lengthwise down the middle, exposing the meat. Gently pull the meat out of the shell, leaving the end attached, and rest it on top of the shell.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper.
4. Brush the lobster meat generously with the butter mixture.
5. Place the lobster tails, shell side down, on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm, basting occasionally with the remaining butter mixture.
6. Remove from the grill and serve immediately with lemon or lime wedges.

Benny Cake

Benny Cake is a traditional Bahamian treat made with sesame seeds and honey, offering a sweet, nutty crunch to end the meal.

What you need:

• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

What to do:

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they are golden and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 5 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, honey and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
3. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and vanilla extract. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out into an even layer, about ¼ inch thick.
5. Allow the Benny Cake to cool completely. Once cooled, break or cut into pieces.
6. Enjoy these sweet and crunchy treats as a snack or dessert.