This week, we'll be rolling out a few healthy recipes to help jumpstart your spring wellness kick during our series, The Wellness Experience. Caribbean condiment brand Bazodee is certainly on a mission to change the flavor of our foods. In addition to bringing consumers delicious, authentic island flavors, the brand wants to inspire families to build stronger bonds through quality time in the kitchen.
It’s a big part of what the brand stands for: cultural roots, heritage and family traditions. And mother and daughter founders Debra and Kiah Sandler, along with their beloved Auntie Mavis (the family’s favorite chef), share these values through the Bazodee legacy of culinary excellence.
Reflecting their heritage, the women incorporate a trifecta of ingredients from Venezuela, Trinidad, and other parts of the Caribbean into their sauces and marinades. Their unique made-from-scratch products are vegetarian and vegan, all-natural, and preservative and gluten-free. Representing three generations of powerful Black women, Auntie Mavis, Debra, and Kiah take joy in bonding over food and cooking.
Here are three of their favorite healthy recipes that they hope you will enjoy creating in your home with your loved ones.
Quick Chicken Curry
- 8 oz stripped leftover chicken
- 2 tbsp Bazodee Real Trini Curry
- Pinch of salt to taste
- Use any baked or roasted chicken and strip away 8 oz into bite sized pieces
- Mix in 2 tbsp of Bazodee Real Trini Curry
- Add a pinch of salt if desired
- Serve warm on a bed of lettuce or on toast for a great sandwich
“The versatility of this dish is unbeatable,” Debra says. “Great for a chicken lettuce wrap, homemade chicken sandwich or simply with some seasoned rice on the side, this recipe allows you to get your protein in with a delicious Trini twist!”
- 1 lb raw, deveined shrimp – no tails
- 1 small onion, chopped
- ½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1 orange
- 1 lemon
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp Bazodee Soca Sauce or Hot Hot Soca Sauce
- ½ cup chopped avocado
- Fresh basil leaves
- Place shrimp in 4 cups of rapidly boiling water with 1 tsp of kosher salt
- After 3 minutes, remove and shock in a bowl of ice cold water
- Strain and place in glass or ceramic bowl
- Cut shrimp into ½ inch pieces
- Add juice of 1 orange and 1 lemon
- Add onion, cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp salt and Bazodee® Soca Sauce or Hot Hot Soca Sauce
- Mix all ingredients and marinate for 1 hour
Optional
- Just before serving add chopped avocado
- Serve in a martini glass and garnish with basil leaf
“This recipe is the best appetizer for your next dinner party! It’s so quick to make that you can also add this as a side dish to an everyday meal. Seafood lovers will love this recipe as it brings the Caribbean Sea to your table!” Debra explains.
Bazodee Orzo with Mango
- 1 box orzo
- 1 small mango, diced
- 1 small can mandarin oranges – chopped
- 3 tbsp red roasted peppers – diced
- ½ bottle of Bazodee® Marvelous Marinade
- 4 tbsp honey mustard
- 3 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp oil
- ½ cup of raisins or craisins
- Boil orzo in water seasoned with water and oil, approximately 8 minutes
- Rinse with cold water
- Mix in all other ingredients
“This delicious vegan/vegetarian recipe is quick, easy, healthy and delicious!” Debra says. “Just like the bold, and tropical tastes of the islands, this dish brings a fruity sweetness to an orzo dish. You’ll be digging for more!”
