Cou Cou

Cou Cou is a cherished Caribbean comfort food, celebrated for its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. This traditional dish combines fine cornmeal and fresh okra, simmered together to create a rich, smooth base seasoned with butter and a touch of salt. With its origins deeply rooted in Barbadian cuisine, Cou Cou is a must-try for those looking to explore authentic island flavors. The recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, featuring a straightforward technique of stirring the cornmeal and okra mixture until it reaches a luscious consistency. Perfectly paired with stewed fish, hearty gravies, or sautéed vegetables, Cou Cou is a versatile side dish that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Whether you're recreating Caribbean classics or seeking a new culinary adventure, Cou Cou’s simplicity and soul-warming taste make it a standout addition to any meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Fine cornmeal
• 8 pieces Fresh okra
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Wash the okra thoroughly and cut the tips and tops off. Slice them into thin rounds.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add sliced okra and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3

Simmer the okra for 10-12 minutes until it becomes soft and the water turns slightly viscous. Reduce the heat to low.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, gradually combine the cornmeal with 1 cup of water. Mix to form a smooth paste with no lumps.

Step 5

Slowly add the cornmeal paste to the simmering okra and its cooking liquid, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a whisk to avoid lumps.

Step 6

Continue to stir the mixture in one direction while cooking over low heat. It will gradually thicken into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 7

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the pot, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.

Step 8

Taste the Cou Cou and adjust the salt, if needed.

Step 9

Once the mixture begins to pull away cleanly from the sides of the pan, it is ready. Remove it from the heat.

Step 10

To serve, scoop the Cou Cou into a greased bowl and press it down firmly into shape. Turn it out onto a plate and serve hot, typically alongside stewed vegetables, gravy, or fish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1018.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	937.8

Total Fat 30.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 2544.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 148.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.7g	0%
Total Sugars 2.4g
Protein 14.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 125.5mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 501.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.7%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 64.0%