Bajan Seasoning

Name: Bajan Seasoning
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 20 servings
Cuisine: Barbadian
Ingredients: 1 large bunch fresh marjoram; 1 bunch fresh thyme; 1 bunch chive or scallion; 6 cloves garlic; 2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded; 1 onion, quartered; 2 limes, juiced; 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Bajan Seasoning (BAY-jan SEE-zun-ing)

Green Herb Marinade Paste

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 16 kcal

The essential green herb paste used in almost all Barbadian cooking, made from fresh marjoram, thyme, chive, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 1.0g

Carbs 2.0g

Fat 0.5g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian vegan dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

food processor or mortar and pestle glass jar

Presentation Guide

Vessel: glass jar

Garnishes: fresh herb sprig

Accompaniments: used as marinade for all proteins

Ingredients

1 large bunch fresh marjoram
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch chive or scallion
6 cloves garlic
2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded
1 onion, quartered
2 limes, juiced
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1
Wash all herbs thoroughly and remove thick stems from marjoram and thyme.
2
Roughly chop onion, garlic, chive, and Scotch bonnet peppers.
3
Place all ingredients in a food processor with lime juice, salt, pepper, and oil.
4
Process until a smooth green paste forms, scraping down sides as needed.
5
Store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

💡

Did You Know?

Every Bajan household has their own secret ratio for seasoning, and debates about the correct recipe can get heated.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

food processor or mortar and pestle
glass jar

Garnishing

fresh herb sprig

Accompaniments

used as marinade for all proteins

The Story Behind Bajan Seasoning

Bajan seasoning is the foundational flavor of Barbadian cooking, a vibrant green paste that is rubbed onto meat, fish, and poultry before cooking. The combination of fresh marjoram, thyme, chive, and garlic reflects the island herb gardens that have been tended by Bajan cooks for centuries. The paste serves both as a flavor enhancer and a natural preservative in the tropical climate. Without Bajan seasoning, authentic Barbadian cooking simply cannot be achieved.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed prepared weekly as a pantry staple 📜 Origins: Traditional Barbadian

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