Basics

Let's start with the basics! Shall we? Sometimes cooking can be overwhelming especially when you're just getting started. In order to not overwhelmed you with a bunch of stuffs I've created a basics blog with instructions that filled with tips and tricks that will help you succeed with some of the recipes. I'll refer to the basics blog whenever it's needed .  So basically when in the list of ingredients said add some "epis" I don't mean spices I mean epis and reading the basics will help you know how to make epis.

I think adding a section with tips or tricks, where I explain my cooking style and the basics of cooking could really help make it all less intimidating for beginners or the curious. You see, the idea is to make cooking simple, headache-free and even a bit fun!

Let's dive in! First stop

Epis 

What's epis? Epis is a Haitian blend of spices a bit equivalent to Sofrito in Porto Rico or green seasoning but better if you ask me. It's a base to marinate meat mostly but also to give food an extra flavor. it's rich in flavour and I swear by my jar of epis.It is believed to have originated with both the island's indigenous populations and enslaved West Africans.We used to make it using wooden mortar with pestle but a blender or chopper is enough to make your epis and it take literally 5 minutes. 

Have I sell it to you? Now let's learn my haitian epis recipe

Ingredients list 

• Parsley 
  
• Garlic 
• Bell pepper 
• Leek
• Scotch Bonnet
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Soy sauce 
• Salt 
• Turmeric 

Some people add lime juice,Thyme,cloves,cilantro but I don't by preference. You might notice that apart from 2 things I didn't add any measurements it's because it depends on how much epis you want.It can be stored in the fridge for up to a month (I usually get two small jars that last about a month since I cook a lot), but I’m pretty sure it could easily last two months. Oh, and in my humble opinion, the olive oil helps keep it fresh longer... but that's just me!

The steps 

• Add everything to your blender except for the olive oil, soy sauce, salt, and turmeric.

• Blend until it reaches a liquid consistency.

• Add the soy sauce, salt, and turmeric, then blend again.

• Pour in the olive oil (but don’t blend this time, just stir it in).

• Use immediately or store it in a jar for later.

Alright, now that we’ve mastered how to make epis haitian, let’s dive into the art of marinating meat. This is where things get fun! Marinating is like giving your meat a little spa day—it gets to soak up all those amazing flavors while it relaxes before the big cook. Trust me, a well-marinated piece of meat is like a party in your mouth. So, let’s talk! 

How to Marinate Meat 

In my culture we tend to blanch the meat to make it a bit tender and marinate overnight or at least 2-3 hours so it can take all the flavors in and you got a perfect spice tender meat that melts in your mouth. 

Let's walk throught a step by step video and learn how to cook juicy marinated steak . So, I decided to try something a bit different this time.I usually let my steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, but I thought, ‘Hey, what if you’re in a rush and only have 15 minutes?’ Well, guess what? The flavors still came through, the spices still packed a punch, and oh my gosh, it was delicious. Seriously, if you're short on time, it still works! I will be uploading the full recipe of my steak soon, In the meantime enjoy this little sneak peek (aka, the picture of my masterpiece). 

For beef and poultry 

Steps

• Remove any excess skin and fat from the meat. (skip this step for ground beef)
• Wash your meat with cold water. (skip this step for ground beef)

• In a large metal bowl, rub the meat with limes and sour orange (optional), then add some salt. Let it relax in that lime juice and salt  for 20-30 minutes. (skip this step for ground beef)

• Get some water boiling, some people add some aromatics herbs in the water but personnally I don't. It's a good tip if you're dealing with lamb or goat meat they tend to have a strong odor and that will help a lot. (skip this step for ground beef)
• Pour the hot water over your meat, making sure all the pieces are fully submerged. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. (skip this step for ground beef)
• Throw away the water, and now we’re ready for the fun part,marinating! (skip this step for ground beef)
• Add your epis, lime juice, cayenne pepper, salt, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and any other spices you love.Give it all a good mix so that every piece gets covered in deliciousness.Let the meat soak up those flavors overnight or for at least 1 hour if you're short on time.
• Once marinated, cook your meat to your liking or follow the recipe you're using.

That’s it for the basics for now! I’ll be updating this blog as we go, so stay tuned for more tips, tricks. Trust me, we’re just getting started, and it’s going to be a delicious journey together!