Trinidad Chadon Beni Sauce is used as a topping for their famous street food called doubles. Chadon beni is what Trinidadians call culantro. Culantro is similar to cilantro but more pungent. You can usually find culantro in an Asian or Indian market but if not, you can certainly use cilantro as a substitute, just double the amount.
Of course you can decide whether or not to use a habanero or a more mild chili like a Serrano or jalapeño depending on your heat tolerance. Chadon beni sauce can be used on many things aside from just a topping for doubles. It would be wonderful on fish, meat or even just a piece of bread.
Chadon Beni sauce whips up in no time, I hope you enjoy it. Also please note that there are many versions of chadon beni sauce, it is not always made with cucumber, this may also be considered a cucumber chutney. Every Trinidad household has their own special version.
Culantro is native to the West Indies. It is an herb that has a similar aroma to cilantro but the difference is you can add it recipes that can be cooked unlike cilantro that is added fresh. Interestingly it comes from the Aplaceae family which includes, carrots, celery, parsley and parsnips. Have you ever tried culantro?
Looking for more delicious recipes to enjoy with your Trinidad Chadon Beni Sauce on Doubles?
Try Macaroni Pie for a main course
And Trinidad Coconut rolls for dessert.
If you would like to learn more about these Caribbean Islands, their traditions, food and culture be sure to check out “Our Journey to Trinidad and Tobago” there you will also find more authentic and ancestral recipes like this popular Chadon Beni Sauce .
Craving even more? Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world, so you don’t miss a thing, it’s free. You can also follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.
Trinidad Chadon Beni Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 English Cucumber
- 1 fresh lime juice
- 4 Tbsp Chadon Beni (Culantro) 1/2 cup of cilantro can be a substitute
- 1 habanero pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt +/- to taste
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber and place in a colander and allow it to drain for about 5 minutes, press to remove excess water.
- In a blender or food processor combine the culantro, habanero, garlic and salt
- In a bowl mix together the blended culantro mixture with the cucumber.
- Add salt to taste.
Nutrition
