Bahamian Fire Engine Recipe

Origins of the Dish

Legend has it that Bahamian cooks add so much bird or goat pepper to this dish that it feels like your mouth is on fire and you’d require the emergency assistance of a fire brigade to quench the flames.

Ingredients

1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 diced onion

1/2 diced green pepper

1 can corned beef

Juice of 1/2 a lime

1 teaspoon thyme

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Bird or goat pepper, to taste

Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice or grits for serving

Preparation

  1. Heat the oil
  • Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add vegetable oil and heat until it shimmers.
  1. Cook the vegetables
  • Add diced onion and green pepper to the saucepan. Fry until softened, about 5 minutes.
  1. Add corned beef and seasonings
  • Add the corned beef, thyme, and lime juice to the pan. Break up the corned beef as it cooks.
  1. Cook the mixture.
  • Allow the corned beef mixture to cook for about 3 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables begin to come together. Stir in the tomato paste and bird or goat pepper.
  1. Adjust the consistency (optional).
  • If you prefer a “looser” consistency, add a bit of water to the corned beef mixture.
  1. Final seasoning.
  • Let the mixture meld for another 1–2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  1. Serve
  • Serve the Bahamian Fire Engine warm with rice or grits.

Enjoy the spicy, flavorful kick of this traditional Bahamian dish!