Ingredients

• 1½ lb (700g) braising steak, cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes
• ½ pint (275ml) stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 medium red peppers, de-seeded and cut into largish strips
• ¾ lb (350g) butternut squash, cut into largish chunks
• salt
• 1 teaspoon allspice berries (see note in method)
• 1 heaped teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 red chillies, de-seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 very large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme
• ½ pint (275ml) coconut milk

Directions

• First of all crush the allspice berries and peppercorns with a pestle and mortar, then add half the chopped chilli and combine this with a dessertspoon of oil and use this mixture to coat the pieces of meat.
• Leave them aside (covered) for a couple of hours to absorb the flavours. When you’re ready to start cooking, pre-heat the oven to gas mark 1, 275F, 140C. Now heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a flameproof casserole and when it’s nice and hot brown the cubes of meat – a few at a time – removing them to a plate when browned. If necessary add another dessertspoon of oil to the pan then add the onion, garlic, thyme and remaining chilli and cook for five minutes or so till it’s softened.
• Next return the meat to the pan, with the bay leaves and a good seasoning of salt, then pour in the stock and coconut milk. Give it all one good stir, and bring it up to simmering point before covering the pan and transferring to the lowest shelf of the oven.
• Cook for 2 hours, then add the peppers and squash. Give it another stir, replace the lid and continue cooking for a further half an hour, by which time the meat and vegetables should be nice and tender. This is great served with a mound of leaf spinach.

Notes

• 9-1-25 1/2 Recipe
• Indonesian Cinnamon per research
• Caribbean Pepperpot from Barbados:
• Pepperpot is a flavorful and aromatic stew originating from Barbados, a small island nation in the Caribbean. This traditional dish is a staple of Bajan cuisine, often served at special occasions and family gatherings.
• History:
• Pepperpot has a rich history in Barbados, dating back to the island's colonial past. The dish is believed to have been influenced by the culinary traditions of African slaves, European colonizers, and indigenous peoples. Pepperpot was originally a way to preserve meat, using a combination of spices and peppers to create a flavorful and long-lasting dish.
• Description:
• Pepperpot is a hearty stew made with:
• 1. Meat: Typically beef or pork, sometimes chicken or goat.
• 2. Peppers: Hot peppers, like scotch bonnet or habanero, add heat and flavor.
• 3. Spices: A blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme, adds depth and aroma.
• 4. Coconut milk: Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the stew.
• Preparation:
• Pepperpot is typically prepared by:
• 1. Browning the meat: The meat is browned in a pot with onions and peppers.
• 2. Adding spices and peppers: The spice blend and peppers are added to the pot, along with coconut milk.
• 3. Simmering: The stew is simmered slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Variations:
• Pepperpot can be made with various meats and ingredients, including:
• 1. Beef: A classic choice for Pepperpot.
• 2. Pork: Pork is another popular option.
• 3. Vegetarian: Some variations of Pepperpot are made without meat, using vegetables and legumes instead.
• Cultural Significance:
• Pepperpot is an important part of Barbadian cuisine and culture, often served at:
• 1. Special occasions: Pepperpot is a popular dish at festivals, holidays, and family gatherings.
• 2. Sunday lunch: Pepperpot is a traditional Sunday lunch dish in Barbados.
• Tips:
• 1. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh peppers, spices, and herbs are essential to the flavor and aroma of Pepperpot.
• 2. Adjust the heat level: Adjust the amount of peppers to suit your desired level of spiciness.
• Pepperpot is a flavorful and aromatic stew that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Barbados. Its history and cultural significance make it a beloved dish on the island and throughout the Caribbean.
• The "dessertspoon" is a unit of measurement commonly used in cooking and baking, particularly in the United Kingdom. Here's what you need to know:
• Volume Measurement: A dessert spoon typically holds about 10 milliliters of liquid, which is equivalent to 2 teaspoons or 1/3 to 1/2 of a tablespoon.
• Usage: Dessert spoons are used to measure ingredients like sugar, spices, and liquids in recipes. They're especially useful when a recipe requires a small amount of an ingredient.
• Regional Variations: While the dessert spoon is widely used in the UK, its usage may vary in other regions. In the US, for example, measuring spoons usually come in sets of tablespoons and teaspoons, but dessert spoons are not as commonly used.
• Some common conversions for dessert spoons include:
• 1 dessert spoon ≈ 2-3 teaspoons
• 1 dessert spoon ≈ 1/3 to 1/2 tablespoon
• 1 British dessert spoon = 10 milliliters
• Overall, the dessert spoon is a practical unit of measurement that can help you achieve accurate ingredient proportions in your cooking and baking, especially in traditional British recipes.

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