Ep 14. Fiery Foods in Jamaica

In Man, Fire, Food season 2 episode 14, viewers are taken on a culinary journey through Jamaica, a country known for its fiery and spicy cuisine. The host, Roger Mooking, sets out to explore the diverse range of flavors and cooking techniques that make Jamaican cuisine so unique.

The episode begins with Roger visiting a farm in the hills of Jamaica to learn about the different varieties of peppers that are grown and used in Jamaican cuisine. From habaneros to scotch bonnets, these peppers are known for their heat and are a staple ingredient in many Jamaican dishes. Roger gets a chance to taste some of the fresh peppers and is blown away by their intensity.

Next, Roger travels to a small village where he meets a local chef who specializes in preparing jerk chicken, one of the most iconic dishes in Jamaican cuisine. Jerk chicken is traditionally cooked over open flames and features a complex blend of spices and herbs, including allspice, thyme, and ginger. Roger watches as the chef carefully prepares the chicken, rubbing it with a homemade jerk seasoning before grilling it over a wood fire. The result is a juicy and flavorful dish that perfectly balances heat and spice.

Moving on, Roger visits a bustling food market in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Here, he encounters a wide range of street food vendors selling everything from fried fish to plantain fritters. One vendor catches Roger's eye with his fiery hot sauce, made with scotch bonnet peppers and mango. Roger samples the sauce and is immediately impressed by the heat and depth of flavor.

In the final segment of the episode, Roger heads to a seaside restaurant to try one of Jamaica's most famous dishes: escovitch fish. This dish features fried fish that is marinated in a tangy sauce made from vinegar, peppers, and onions. Roger watches as the chef expertly prepares the fish, frying it until it is crispy and golden brown. The finished dish is served with a side of festival, a sweet fried bread that balances out the heat of the fish perfectly.

Overall, Fiery Foods in Jamaica is a fascinating look at the bold and vibrant flavors of Jamaican cuisine. From fiery hot sauces to tender jerk chicken, the episode showcases the many different ways that Jamaican chefs use heat to create unforgettable dishes. With stunning scenery and mouth-watering food, this episode is sure to leave viewers hungry for more.