Celebrating With A Culinary Journey
The Garinagu in Belize have called this multicultural nation home for over 221 years. Their arrival on November 19th is commemorated every year by Belizeans at home and abroad. Popular food establishments prepare signature dishes such as hudut and Sere while listening to lively Garifuna music, one of the culture’s most influential contributions.
If you are unable to celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day in the Cultural Capital or grab a signature Garinagu soul food, don’t worry; we’ve got you! The chefs from the Guava Limb Café shared their recipe for preparing a finger-licking bowl of Sere!
Sere is a stew-like thick savory coconut and fish. The broth is often prepared with fresh coconut milk, okra, onions, cilantro, and plantains and pan-fried, complemented with potatoes and cassava. It is usually served with aromatic coconut rice.
Check out the recipe below:
Ingredients for a serving for 2
Fish Fillet or 1 Whole Snapper Fish
2 Green Plantains
2 Ripe Plantains
2 Coconut Milk Packets
Hand full of Cilantro and Culantro
Salt
Pepper
1 large Onion
1 large Cassava
Coconut Oil
Vegetable Oil
Rice
1 large Carrots
Water
2 Limes
Preparation of Fish
Clean Snapper (whole fish) and remove all scales
Wash with lime
Season lightly with Salt and Pepper to taste
Deep fry seasoned fish or fish fillet for 5 minutes (depending on size)
Preparation of Chowder (leave on fire for approximately 45 mins)
Mince ½ of the Onion and at least 2 garlic cloves. Sautee both on a pre heated frying pan with added coconut oil.
Boil even 1 ½ cup of water mixed with 1 ½ cup of coconut milk on a medium size pot.
Add the sauteed garlic and onion to the water mixture
Cut the green plantain and ripe plantain in medium size chunks along with the carrots and cassava. The chunks to the chowder.
Mince a good amount of both cilantro and cilantro. Add to the chowder.
Add deep fried fish fillet or whole fish to chowder
Leave chowder with all ingredients to boil for 12- 15 mins. Ensure that the heat is lowered to allow a slow cooking process. Add 1 Habanero Pepper for flavour
Check fish to ensure its tender, stir for every 5 minutes.
Preparation of Rice
Measure 2 cups of rice. Wash the rice
Add 2 ½ cups of water to the rice
Add ½ cup Coconut Milk or If you are using coconut powder then add 1 pouch
Add 1 tsp Coconut Oil
Add Salt to taste
Garnish
Serve chowder in a bowl and rice on a flat plate.
Add Fried Plantain Chips and cilantro on top of rice for a touch of elegance!
Recipe and cooking guidelines courtesy of the Chef’s at The Guava Limb Cafe
Check Out Our Special!
Chef Edwin invites you to enjoy our delicious Traditional Sere Combo all weekend long.
Savour the rich ingredients complementing this signature Garifuna dish made with assorted seafood poached in coconut milk, vegetables, ground food, fresh cilantro, oregano, habanero, and cilantro served with rice.
Whether you choose to celebrate with a traditional Sere or a delicious Sea Food Combo we hope that you enjoy this cultural holiday.