Oil Down (Grenadian One-Pot Coconut Stew)
Local name: Oil down
In short: Grenada's national dish: breadfruit, salted meat, chicken, dumplings and greens simmered in coconut milk and turmeric until the liquid cooks down to oil. It takes about 2 h 20 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 2 h 20 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 565 kcal
Oil down is the national dish of Grenada: a one-pot stew of breadfruit, salted meat, chicken, dumplings and greens, cooked in coconut milk and turmeric until the milk reduces to a glossy oil that coats everything. That is where the name comes from. It is a dish for gatherings and weekend outings, often cooked outdoors in a large pot. Layer the ingredients, cover the pot and let it cook without stirring.
Instructions
- Soak the salted meat in cold water for 2 hours, changing the water once. Drain, boil in fresh water for 30 minutes, and drain again.
- Toss the chicken with the lime juice, salt and pepper. Mix the flour, salt and water into a firm dough and roll into small finger-length dumplings.
- Layer the breadfruit in the bottom of a large heavy pot. Top with the salted meat, chicken, carrots, onion, scallions, garlic, thyme, celery and the whole scotch bonnet.
- Whisk the turmeric into the coconut milk and pour it over the pot. Arrange the dumplings on top and cover tightly.
- Bring to a boil, then cook on low heat for 40 minutes without stirring, until the breadfruit is tender and the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Scatter the callaloo on top, cover and cook for 10 minutes more.
- Uncover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, gently turning the ingredients from the bottom now and then, until the coconut milk has reduced and a layer of golden oil shows. Remove the pepper and serve hot.
Tips
- Do not stir during the first 40 minutes, or the breadfruit breaks apart. Shake the pot gently instead.
- No breadfruit? Green plantains and potatoes both work. Add the potatoes after 15 minutes of cooking, since they soften faster.
Questions and answers
Why is it called oil down?
As the coconut milk cooks, it reduces until only the golden coconut oil is left, and the ingredients cook down in that oil. The result is moist and rich, not soupy.
Can I make oil down without salted meat?
Yes. Use more chicken or smoked turkey, and add salt to taste. The salted meat gives the traditional flavor, so soak and boil it well and taste before adding extra salt.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water, since the coconut oil will have set.
How long does it take to make Oil Down (Grenadian One-Pot Coconut Stew)?
About 2 h 20 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Oil Down (Grenadian One-Pot Coconut Stew)?
About 565 kcal per serving, with 21 g of protein, 54 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 565 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
