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Trinidadian Green Seasoning Sauce

The Quirky Foodster Team

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15 min
Prep
0 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • Fresh coriander (including culantro if available) — 60 g (2 packed cups)
  • Fresh chive or scallion — 30 g (1 cup)
  • Fresh thyme — 10 g (3 tbsp)
  • Garlic cloves — 6
  • Onion, chopped — 1 medium
  • Pimento or seasoning pepper (mild), chopped — 2
  • Fresh lime juice — 30 ml (2 tbsp)
  • Vegetable oil — 30 ml (2 tbsp)

Method

  1. Combine all fresh herbs, garlic, onion and pimento peppers in a food processor.
  2. Pulse to a coarse, well-combined paste, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Add lime juice and oil.
  4. Process again briefly until a thick, spoonable green paste forms.
  5. Transfer to a jar; use immediately as a marinade or refrigerate for later use.

Cultural Background: A vibrant, herb-packed marinade blend, Trinidadian green seasoning reflects the island's rich multicultural heritage, combining a dozen or more fresh herbs and aromatics, and is used as an essential base marinade for virtually all savoury Trinidadian cooking.

Tips: • The specific herb blend varies by household — some families use a dozen or more different herbs; use what's fresh and available. • This seasoning is meant to be used generously as a marinade base for meat, fish and stews, not as a finishing sauce.

Variations: • Add fresh basil or celery leaves for additional herbal complexity, common in some family recipes. • Freeze in ice cube trays for convenient pre-portioned marinade use.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week, or freeze in portions up to 3 months.

Reheating: Not applicable; used cold or at room temperature as a marinade. Nutrition (per serving) Approx. 25 kcal, 0.5 g protein, 2 g fat, 1.5 g carbohydrate per 15 g serving.

FAQs: What is green seasoning traditionally used for? Marinating meat, poultry and fish before cooking; it's a foundational element of Trinidadian home cooking used in nearly every savoury dish. Can I freeze green seasoning? Yes, it freezes very well in ice cube trays or small containers, making it convenient to have on hand for regular use.