Coo Coo

Name: Coo Coo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal (polenta); 4 cups water; 1 lb fresh okra, trimmed and sliced; 1/2 cup onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp fresh thyme; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

A traditional Trinidadian side dish of creamy cornmeal cooked with fresh okra, onions, and aromatic seasonings to create a savory, comforting polenta-like accompaniment.

30 minEasyServes 4240 cal/serving

TrinidadianSideStovetopVegetarianVeganGluten-Free

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Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal (polenta)
4 cups water
1 lb fresh okra, trimmed and sliced
1/2 cup onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 2 minutes.
2

Add 1 lb trimmed and sliced fresh okra, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes until fresh okra begins to soften.
3

Gradually bring 4 cups water to a boil in a separate pot. Slowly whisk 1 cup cornmeal (polenta) into the boiling water in a thin stream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4

Pour the cornmeal mixture into the pot with the fresh okra and stir well.
5

Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
6

Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7

Serve hot as a side dish alongside curries, stews, or grilled fish.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Coo Coo?

As written, 30 minutes: 10 of prep and 20 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 5 (12 minutes): "Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning on the bottom, for 10-12 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy."

How do I know when Coo Coo is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

What can I use instead of cilantro in Coo Coo?

The entry for Coo Coo calls for 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped. In its place: Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime, for anyone who tastes soap. The dish loses its signature note but stays fresh.

How many calories are in Coo Coo?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 6 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 420 mg sodium.

How do I store and reheat Coo Coo?

Refrigerate what is left of Coo Coo within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Serve it with

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