Callaloo Jamaican Style

Authentic Jamaican Callaloo Jamaican Style — a delicious miscellaneous dish with 10 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Expert
Updated March 14, 2026
1 views

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

300

Calories/serving

Expert

Difficulty

Callaloo Jamaican Style

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 bunch Kale
  • 2 strips Bacon
  • 3 cloves Chopped Garlic
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 Sprig Thyme
  • 1 Tomato
  • 1 Red Pepper
  • 4 Banana
  • Splash Vegetable Oil

Instructions

11 steps · ~66 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Cut leaves and soft stems from the kale branches, them soak in a bowl of cold water for about 5-10 minutes or until finish with prep.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    Proceed to slicing the onions, mincing the garlic and dicing the tomatoes. Set aside

    3 minutes
    Be careful not to burn garlic — it turns bitter quickly. Add it after other aromatics.
  3. Step 3

    Remove kale from water cut in chunks.

    3 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  4. Step 4

    Place bacon on saucepan and cook until crispy. Then add onions, garlic, thyme, stir for about a minute or more

    8 minutes
    Be careful not to burn garlic — it turns bitter quickly. Add it after other aromatics.
  5. Step 5

    Add tomatoes; scotch bonnet pepper, smoked paprika. Sauté for about 2-3 more minutes.

    8 minutes
    Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil — this prevents sticking.
  6. Step 6

    Finally add vegetable, salt, mix well, and steamed for about 6-8 minutes or until leaves are tender. Add a tiny bit of water as needed. Adjust seasonings and turn off the heat.

    3 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  7. Step 7

    Using a sharp knife cut both ends off the plantain. This will make it easy to grab the skin of the plantains. Slit a shallow line down the long seam of the plantain; peel only as deep as the peel. Remove plantain peel by pulling it back.

    10 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  8. Step 8

    Slice the plantain into medium size lengthwise slices and set aside.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  9. Step 9

    Coat a large frying pan with cooking oil spray. Spray the tops of the plantains with a generous layer of oil spray and sprinkle with salt, freshly ground pepper.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  10. Step 10

    Let the plantains "fry" on medium heat, shaking the frying pan to redistribute them every few minutes.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  11. Step 11

    As the plantains brown, continue to add more cooking oil spray, salt and pepper (if needed) until they have reached the desired color and texture. Remove and serve with kale

    5 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Jamaican recipe for Callaloo Jamaican Style is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Jamaican cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your jamaican meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Callaloo Jamaican Style is a beloved dish from Jamaican cuisine, originating in Jamaica. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Jamaican cuisine is a vibrant fusion of flavors from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Known for its bold seasonings, jerk-style cooking, and tropical ingredients.

This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Callaloo is a popular Jamaican dish made primarily with leafy greens, typically amaranth or taro leaves, sautéed with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and spices.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat14g
Sodium327mg
Total Carbohydrates33g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein36g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineJamaican
CategoryDinner
CountryJamaica