Oil down is the national dish of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. Oil down is made using Breadfruit. A plate of Oil down can be enjoyed through the year, more so during February, the month of independence.
The National dish is part of the national symbols of independence of Grenada. Grenada achieved its independence in 1974.
Breadfruit
Learn more about Breadfruit in this video.
Here are the key ingredients to make Oil down:
Breadfruit
Callaloo
Pumpkin
Salted meat such as pigtail, saltfish
Chicken
Provision such as green fig
Dumpling (flour mixed with salted water)
Coconut milk
Curry
Turmeric or Saffron
Crab (for those who like shellfish)
Carrots
Technique in making Oil down
One of the most critical techniques in making Oil down is the packing of the pot. Using a layered technique, the key ingredients are packed into the pot, starting with the breadfruit, and then intertwined with the vegetables and meat. At the top are the dumplings and the callaloo.
Cooking
Oil down can be cooked on a stove or on a fireside. On a stove, it takes about 1 hour. On a fireside, it can take a couple hours as the pot tends to be larger, and the heat uneven.
Pictures of the Oil down making process:
Cutting up of the Breadfruit
Grating of the Coconut to make Coconut milk
Packing of the pot
Cooking process
Final dish
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