Taste of the Tropics

Meal planning isn’t always easy. Many times, our regular “staple” meals are what makes the list putting our diets into a rut, so to speak. Since our theme this month is about creating our own tropical paradise, now would be a good time to bring the flavors of the tropics to you dinner table.

Now when you are traveling to the tropics, several different types of cuisines can fit the bill. Caribbean, Mexican, Thai, Hawaiian, Cuban, etc. Tropical cuisines feature vibrant flavors and ingredients native to warm, humid regions. They often incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and seafood, along with spices like ginger, turmeric, and coconut.

Tropical Flavors

Let the tropics be the inspiration in your meal planning:

Caribbean:

This cuisine is known for its diverse influences, including African, European, and Asian. Key ingredients include rice, plantains, beans, coconut, and a wide range of local meats and seafood. Dishes like jerk chicken, rice and peas, and stewed goat are popular.

Southern Mexican

This cuisine is known for its unique flavors, often incorporating Mayan roots and Caribbean influences. Dishes like Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork), Panuchos (fried stuffed tortillas), and dishes using achiote or annatto seeds are prominent. Seafood, tropical fruits, and plantains are also common.

Thai:

Thai cuisine emphasizes fresh, flavorful ingredients and a balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty tastes. Common ingredients include rice, coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass, and various vegetables. Dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice are well-known.

Hawaiian:

Hawaiian cuisine blends Polynesian, Asian, and European influences. It's characterized by its abundance of fresh fruits, seafood, and vegetables, along with the use of ingredients like poi, macadamia nuts, and poke. Dishes like poke bowls, huli huli chicken, and lilikoi pie are popular.

Cuban:

Cuban cuisine is a blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. It's known for its flavorful dishes featuring rice, beans, plantains, and various meats. Dishes like roast pork with mojo, black bean soup, and Cuban sandwiches are staples.

Are you drooling yet?

Challenge yourself to add a little tropical flare to your meal plans. It can be as simple as adding pineapple to your grilled chicken or veggies, going to a Thai restaurant instead of a burger joint, making a tropical smoothie for breakfast or a handful of macadamia nuts as a snack.

Today’s Menu:

Breakfast:

Lunch:

Dinner:

Snack #1:

Snack #2:

Did I have something tropical today?

Did I try a new recipe or have one to share?

Are my meals planned for tomorrow?

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