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Callaloo

A traditional Jamaican dish — Callaloo is the island’s beloved leafy green, sautéed with onion, tomato, thyme and a whisper of scotch bonnet until silky.

⏱ 10 minPrep time
🔥 15 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 DinnerCategory
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Callaloo - Jamaïcain recipe

A traditional Jamaican dish — Callaloo is the island’s beloved leafy green, sautéed with onion, tomato, thyme and a whisper of scotch bonnet until silky. The amaranth leaves cook down like spinach but keep a gentle sweetness and mineral depth. It is a breakfast staple beside saltfish and fried dumplings, and an everyday vegetable side for lunch and dinner.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Wash the callaloo thoroughly, shake dry, and chop the leaves and tender stems.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, scallions and thyme until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add the tomato and cook for 2 minutes, then pile in the callaloo; it will look like a mountain but wilts fast.
  4. Stir in the salt and the scotch bonnet, cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are tender and most of the liquid has cooked off.
  5. Season with black pepper, taste for salt and serve hot.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Do not overcook callaloo into mush — it should keep a little body. A whole scotch bonnet adds aroma without fiery heat; mince it if you want the heat.

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Recipe details

Prep10 min
Cook15 min
Servings4
CategoryDinner
PublishedAugust 17, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →