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.
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.

Step by stepInstructions
- Wash the callaloo thoroughly, shake dry, and chop the leaves and tender stems.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, scallions and thyme until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato and cook for 2 minutes, then pile in the callaloo; it will look like a mountain but wilts fast.
- 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.
- 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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