Conch: A taste of Bahamian culture

The queen conch is a mollusk found in the warm waters of the Caribbean. It is an important food in Bahamian culture and is used to prepare a variety of dishes. Conch meat is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option.

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes (marinating time not included)

Total Time: 30-40 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating)

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh conch (queen conch)

• 1 red onion, chopped

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1/2 green pepper, chopped

• 1/2 cup lemon juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Clean the conch and remove the meat. Dice it into small pieces.

2. In a large bowl, combine the onion, tomato, green pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the conch meat to the mixture and toss well.

4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

5. Serve the conch salad with tortilla chips, tostones, or crusty bread.

Tips:

• You can use a mixture of lemon and orange juice to give the salad a more citrusy flavor.

• If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use chopped parsley instead.

• You can add other ingredients to the salad, such as chopped cucumber, avocado, or mango.

Variations:

• Conch Fritters: Coat the conch meat in flour and egg and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Serve with tartar sauce or hot sauce.

• Conch Stew: Cook the conch meat with onion, tomato, garlic, spices, and coconut milk. Serve with rice or bread.

Enjoy this delicious and refreshing dish typical of the Bahamas!

Bahamas