Try This Caribbean Cou-Cou Recipe Perfect for Polenta Lovers (2024)

FAQs

What is coucou in Barbados? ›

Coucou is a dish you'll find a lot in Barbados, but it's not very prevalent in the rest of the world. If you've never tried it before, imagine something similar to polenta or grits in texture. It's made from a combination of cornmeal and okra. The two ingredients muddle together to form a sort of savory porridge.

Caribbean cou-cou (or coo coo) is, quite simply, a dish made of lightly seasoned cooked cornmeal mixed with okra and water. It is done low and slow until all the liquid is absorbed, and the mixture comes away easily from the sides of the pot.

Differences between cornmeal and polenta

Cornmeal is made by grinding dried corn kernels – yellow, white or blue – into fine, medium and coarse textures, while polenta is made from a specific variety of corn called flint corn. Polenta also has a coarser texture than most types of cornmeal.

Packages labeled polenta mean that the grind of the corn is appropriate to make the polenta dish, but you can substitute regular medium or coarsely-ground cornmeal instead.

Beloved by tourists and locals alike, flying fish and cou cou is considered the national dish of Barbados. Often served with a rich, spicy gravy, this dish packs plenty of flavour. The flying fish itself is either fried or steamed, then served on cou cou, which is a combination of cornmeal and okra.

The French word "coucou," [koo koo] can be used as an exclamation meaning "hello" or "hi." It is similar to the English excalamation, "peek-a-boo!" It is also used to refer to the cuckoo clock.

Both grits and polenta fall under the heading of cornmeal, which is essentially a coarse flour, or “meal,” made from dried corn.

Rich in complex carbohydrates

Often, simple carbohydrates do not contain many nutrients either. Cakes, cookies, and white bread are examples of simple carbohydrates. The complex carbohydrates in polenta are broken down slowly, which means they take longer to digest. This slow release can keep blood sugar levels steady.

Polenta is a healthy gluten-free grain and good source of antioxidants that help protect your eyes and reduce your risk of certain chronic diseases. It shouldn't negatively affect your blood sugar levels as long as you stick to a reasonable portion size.

Polenta -- simmered cornmeal -- is one of Italy's most popular staple foods. Prized for its versatility, it can be paired with both savory and sweet flavors. Polenta comes in many forms; it can be chewy, gluey, crispy or extremely creamy.

Is polenta healthier than pasta? ›

Polenta is often used to substitute grains like pasta and rice, as it's lower in calories and is a source of complex carbohydrates. Because complex carbohydrates aren't broken down as quickly as simple carbohydrates, it's ideal for individuals watching their blood sugar levels.

Pour the cornmeal into the water gradually – NOT all at once – and whisk constantly as you do it. The constant whisking will evenly disperse the cornmeal grounds in the water, so they won't have a chance to clump together. It'll thicken as it sits.

Coucou – France

While coucou can simply be replied back, it is also correct to respond with salut or bonjour.

This species of whistling frog was introduced in Pembroke in the 1880s. It is native to Barbados and Grenada. It is common throughout Bermuda, but has not reached many of the smaller islands. This species is responsible for the chorus of chirps heard on warm nights or after heavy rain.

Coucou, ma puce. Welcome home, sweetie. Coucou, ma puce. Hello, baby girl.

Barbadians, more commonly known as Bajans (pronounced /ˈbeɪdʒən(z)/ BAY-jənz) are people who are identified with the country of Barbados, by being citizens or their descendants in the Bajan diaspora.