Dish of Trinidad Coo Coo
(click to enlarge)

Coo Coo / Turn Polenta


Trinidad / Jamaica   -   Coo Coo / Turn Polenta
Makes:
Effort:
Sched:
DoAhead:  		 36 ea
***
20 min
Prep		 This side dish is typical of Trinidad and Jamaica, and also shaped as patties in Jamaica. It is softer than Polenta and includes vegetables. See also Comments.




1
2
6
1
1/4
1
c
c
oz
t
t
c
Coconut Milk (1)  
Water
Okra
Salt
Pepper
Cornmeal, fine
Prep   -   (1-1/2 hrs - 30 min work (hand grated))
  1. Cap OKRA and cut crosswise into 1/3 inch segments.
  2. Lightly grease a bowl that will hold 4 cups, to use as a mold.
Run   -   (1-1/2 hrs - 30 min work (hand grated))
  1. In a sauté pan (3 qt) or similar, mix together Coconut Milk and Water. Bring to a boil, stir in Okra, then simmer for about 5 minutes or until Okra is tender.
  2. Stir in Salt and Pepper, then start adding Cornmeal a little at a time, stirring continuously. Add hot Water as needed. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes over moderate heat, stirring vigorously, continuously, and scraping the bottom of the pan, until the mixture is firm enough to hold stiff peaks.
  3. Pour into the Greased Bowl and smooth the top. Let it rest for a few minutes, then invert the bowl over a cutting board. Slice into largish chunks and serve warm. It is soft and will be eaten with a fork.
NOTES:

  1. Coconut Milk:

      Unsweetened. Coconut milk from Thailand is excellent, some others are disappointing. I use Aroy-D, but there are other fine brands. A good quality Coconut Milk will have lots of heavy cream at the top. Check the recipe - you need to avoid shaking the can before opening if it calls for scooping out the cream.

  2. Comments

      Typical of Trinidad and Jamaica, this recipe can also be made as patties rather than pouring into a mold. In Jamaica it is called "Turn Polenta". Some recipes are a little more complex, with chopped Onions and/or Scallions - fried lightly before proceeding with the recipe, and some are seasoned with All Purpose Seasoning (or similar). Every recipe I've seen includes plenty of Okra.
  3. U.S. measure: t=teaspoon, T=Tablespoon, c=cup, qt=quart, oz=ounce, #=pound, cl=clove in=inch, ar=as required tt=to taste
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