Island Colombo - Creole Curry

What is the Colombo of the Islands ?

Traditionally, Colombo is a mixture of 4 spices: coriander, chili, garlic and turmeric.

I chose to compose my blend using at least these 4 original spices, in order to deliver an authentic recipe.

Like the Massalé and Ras-el-hanout, the composition of the Colombo des Îles blend will vary according to the regions and local tastes.

Did you know that? colombo des Îles is also called the "West Indian Curry". It has a predominant place in the Creole kitchens.

Ingredients of the Colombo des Îles

The combination that I propose you is composed of 10 spices.

Some of these spices are grilled or roasted before being reduced in powder, then the whole is skilfully proportioned to propose you a pleasant assembly in the nose and in mouth.

Differences between the colombo of yesteryear and the colombo of today

The traditional colombo of the Islands is a mixture of 4 spices: coriander, chili, garlic and turmeric. But colombo has multiple variations depending on the region or the people who make it.

The current Colombo mixes can contain up to 10 spices to obtain more subtle and flavourful spice mixes. This is notably the case of this Colombo of the Islands.

How to use the Colombo des Îles in cooking ?

Even if at first sight Colombo powder could be confused with curry, you just have to smell this spice blend for Colombo from the Islands to differentiate them. Indeed, the scent of this blend will be much stronger to the nose than a simple basic curry. It will have an inimitable character once sprinkled in your dishes and recipes.

Flavors more developed than curry

In the mouth, you will find more developed flavors than those that characterize a Kerala curry.

The notes that emerge will be slightly aniseed (thanks to the fennel), garlic, spicy and woody (turmeric, cumin and pepper dominant). Then you will feel another aromatic impulse more vegetable, notably because of the presence of coriander and fenugreek.

The combination of these ten spices and herbs will succeed in transporting you to each of their countries of origin. The point of salt allows to amplify my aromatic composition.

Good to know : This Colombo des Îles spice blend can be cooked for a long time. It has therefore its place in simmered dishes.

Multiple uses for a creative and exotic cuisine

If its name makes us think directly of this typical West Indian dish, you will discover that it is also possible to use this Colombo des Îles at different times of the meal, and on very different dishes!

Prepare and enjoy wonderful pork, chicken or goat colombos, having taken care to let the meat marinate in this mixture the night before the meal. You can try the Colombo of West Indian pork, in the manner of Alain Ducasse.

Colombo can also be used with dishes from the sea, such as a colombo of sea bream (mahi-mahi) or swordfish.

Our recipe ideas with Colombo from the Islands

Dishes in sauce, simmered dishes, meats, fish and vegetables... sprinkle a teaspoon of my Colombo blend over your casserole and let yourself be carried away by its bewitching aromas.

The sweetness of the flavors of the Colombo Spice Mix of the Islands will also allow you to use it simply to bring a colored touch to your salads, your raw vegetables, or your vegetable soups.

To make you discover all the gustative qualities and the aromatic palette of this Colombo spice blend, we propose you a colorful menu!

The starter: Toast with Creole ratatouille

A simple and tasty starter that is original and quick to prepare. Cut up some peppers, tomatoes and an onion. Brown them in oil. Add a teaspoon of our spice mix. Serve on a slice of toast. Serve with a salad dressing.

The dish: Creole rice

A side dish rice that seduces for its strong taste. Brown chopped onions in oil. Add long rice and a teaspoon of Colombo des Îles, brown the rice before moistening with 0.5 liter of boiling water. Let it cook while stirring. Excellent with poultry or fish.

The dessert: Mango skewers with Colombo

A dessert with exotic fruits that is enhanced by our Colombo from the Islands. A quick and easy recipe to end the meal on a gourmet yet light note. Cut your mango into large cubes. Place them on a skewer and grill them. Sprinkle with the spice mixture.

How to store your Colombo?

The Colombo des Îles spice blend can be stored like most of our spices and aromatics: dry and protected from light. We recommend you to use an airtight container to keep its aromas intact.

Composition : turmeric, coriander, cumin, salt, mustard, spices and herbs.