Colombo spices

How to use colombo in your cuisine?

Colombo is a traditional Creole spice blend widely used in colombo, a typical Caribbean dish. However, this mixture is not only reserved for traditional Caribbean cuisine but also used to add flair to various preparations.

Some meal suggestions with colombo

This spice blend pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes, crunchy green beans, eggplants, or zucchinis. It goes perfectly with rice, crunchy vegetables sautéed in butter, or with a beautiful piece of white meat accompanied by a creamy sauce. To preserve its delicacy, it can be infused in juices or cream. However, we recommend not boiling or cooking it at too high a temperature.

Its flavorful and captivating taste also complements salads or raw vegetables, adding a beautiful touch of color.

Here are some recipe ideas for using colombo in your cuisine:

• Fresh cheese tuna rillettes: Sprinkle the tuna rillettes with colombo mixture and serve;
• Vegetable quiche: Add 2 teaspoons of colombo to your quiche filling before baking;
• Leek fondue: At the end of cooking, add a teaspoon of colombo spices and mix it all together before serving;
• Spiced homemade mayonnaise: Add ½ teaspoon of colombo to your mayonnaise, mix, and serve.

Of course, you can also use it to recreate the famous traditional Caribbean dish, colombo: click here to discover our recipe for Spicy Chicken Colombo.

There's nothing better than letting your imagination run wild when using colombo in your cooking!

The aromas of colombo

Colombo is a spice blend that stands out for its sweet and aniseed aroma. The presence of turmeric gives it its yellow color, much like Madras curry, which is why it is sometimes confused with the latter. Indeed, colombo is an Indian curry revisited in the Caribbean style. Its flavor is mild and highly aromatic, allowing it to easily complement and enhance your dishes.

What is the composition of the famous Caribbean spice blend?

The Terre Exotique colombo is a spice blend composed of turmeric, mustard, black pepper, paprika, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek. The spices used to make colombo can vary. In fact, in the Caribbean, each family has its own recipe, which has led to different variations of colombo.

Where does colombo come from?

The history of colombo

Colombo is a spice blend traditionally used in Caribbean cuisine. However, it only appeared in the islands in the late 19th century during the British colonization and the arrival of coolies, immigrants from East India. The curry gradually evolved into colombo as locals modified the spices and proportions to adapt it to the Caribbean style.

Colombo gets its name from the economic capital of Sri Lanka, which is reminiscent of its early origins. This city seems to be named after the famous explorer, Christopher Columbus.