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

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.

Questions

How long does Coo Coo keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I halve or double Coo Coo?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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