Try This Caribbean Cou-Cou Recipe Perfect for Polenta Lovers (2024)

FAQs

What is Coucou in Barbados? ›

Cou-cou, coo-coo (as it is known in the Windward Islands), or fungie or fungi (as it is known in the Leeward Islands and Dominica) makes up part of the national dishes of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It consists mainly of cornmeal (corn flour) and okra (ochroes).

It makes sense that an island surrounded by such rich oceans would have fish in their national dish. And Barbados hasn't disappointed on that front. Their national dish is flying fish and cou cou. It's a saucy, stew-like fish dish served on top of cou cou.

Packages labeled polenta mean that the grind of the corn is appropriate to make the polenta dish, but you can substitute regular medium or coarsely-ground cornmeal instead. Don't use finely ground cornmeal or corn flour which have too fine of a consistency and will give the finished dish a pasty texture.

Polenta is cornmeal made from ground flint corn. Typically, it's coarsely ground yellow corn, but sometimes it's finely ground yellow or white corn.

Caribbean cou-cou (or coo coo) is, quite simply, a dish made of lightly seasoned cooked cornmeal mixed with okra and water. It is done low and slow until all the liquid is absorbed, and the mixture comes away easily from the sides of the pot.

The slangy one: Coucou!

Meaning: “Hi!” About: Coucou is a sweet, sincere way of saying hi, normally reserved for close friends and family.

Barbados is sometimes called the "land of the flying fish" and this fish is part of our national dish - "cou cou and flying fish" - where it is usually served steamed.

Barbados. Barbados is known as "the land of the flying fish", and the fish is one of the national symbols of the country. Once abundant, it migrated between the warm, coral-filled Atlantic Ocean surrounding the island of Barbados and the plankton-rich outflows of the Orinoco River in Venezuela.

The two main reasons for supporting the flying fish as a national icon were to maintain the island's history, tradition and heritage, and because of the fish's popularity.

Grits were originally consumed by Native Americans and are an enduring staple ingredient across the American South. Polenta is a dish of cornmeal porridge that originated among farmers in Northern Italy and is a staple in Italian and Italian American cooking.

Can I use panko instead of polenta? ›

Polenta is ground cornmeal — you could also use panko crumbs (Japanese bread crumbs) or normal breadcrumbs instead — both give a crispy coating.

Historically, stews, roasted meats, or sausages might be served alongside polenta as a warm and soothing side dish throughout the winter months. In some parts of Italy, polenta can also be topped with different sauces or toppings and served cold, sliced, grilled, or fried.

Polenta is a healthful food choice with several nutritional benefits. Polenta may be good for health as it contains fiber and protein. It is also rich in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, and more. Polenta is cooked cornmeal that can be eaten as a side or used in a variety of recipes, from bread to desserts.

Basic polenta is generally quite healthy since it's made with water and some salt. Some recipes call for milk or cream instead of water, which will increase the calorie count. If you use store-bought stock, this may increase the amount of sodium in your polenta.

The national dish of Barbados is cou-cou and fried flying fish with spicy gravy. Another traditional meal is pudding and souse, a dish of pickled pork with spiced sweet potatoes.

This species of whistling frog was introduced in Pembroke in the 1880s. It is native to Barbados and Grenada. It is common throughout Bermuda, but has not reached many of the smaller islands. This species is responsible for the chorus of chirps heard on warm nights or after heavy rain.

Coucou, ma puce. Hello, baby girl.

While coucou can simply be replied back, it is also correct to respond with salut or bonjour.