Chopup (Traditional Antiguan Vegetable Side Dish)

Chopup is a traditional Antiguan vegetable side dish that bursts with the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean. This delightful dish brings together spinach, pumpkin, and okra for a healthy, nutrient-rich accompaniment perfect for complementing a main course like saltfish or serving alongside ducana. Ideal for lovers of Caribbean cuisine, this recipe captures a fresh and hearty taste of Antigua.

Ingredients

🥬 3 bundles of spinach (approximately 1.5-2 lbs, pre-processed)
🎃 1.25 lbs pumpkin, cut into 1-2 inch pieces
🌿 1 lb okra, cut into 0.5-1 inch pieces
🧂 1 tsp salt
🌶️ 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
🧅 0.5 tsp onion powder
🧄 0.5 tsp garlic powder
💧 Sufficient amount of drinkable water for boiling

Instructions

1- Prep the Spinach:

• Remove leaves from the three spinach bundles, discarding any stems.
• Inspect and remove any spoiled or insect-bitten leaves.
• Wash the leaves thoroughly in a metal bowl, rubbing gently, then drain in a colander.
• Stack and fold the clean spinach leaves, slicing them into smaller sections, and set aside.

2- Prep the Okra:

• Thoroughly wash the okra.
• Trim the ends (head and tail) of each okra pod.
• Slice the mid-sections into 0.5-1 inch pieces and set aside.

3- Prep the Pumpkin:

• Cut the pumpkin into 1-2 inch pieces.
• Place the pumpkin pieces in a large stainless steel pot and cover with drinkable water.
• Boil the pumpkin until fork-tender, typically taking about 10-15 minutes.
• Drain the water using a colander.

4- Cook Okra and Spinach:

• Add the chopped okra to a pot with about a quarter cup of water.
• Boil until the okra becomes thick and bubbly (mucilaginous).
• Add sliced spinach to the boiling okra and cook for approximately 2-4 minutes, stirring gently.
• Drain off about half the water from the mixture, leaving some liquid for moisture.

5- Combine and Mash:

• In a stainless steel mixing bowl, combine the cooked pumpkin with the spinach and okra.
• Use a stainless steel potato masher to mash the vegetables together until well combined, maintaining some texture.
• Season with salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
• Mix until the seasonings are fully incorporated.

Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 150
Protein: 6g
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Equipment: Dalstrong Knife, White Plastic Cutting Board, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Yellow Plastic Colander, Stainless Steel Large Pot with Glass Lid, Stainless Steel Potato Masher, Metal Fork, White Small Measuring Containers

Cooking Tips

• Always use drinkable water for boiling vegetables for the best flavor and safety.
• Slicing spinach by stacking and folding preserves texture and adds structure to the final dish.

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Chopup (Traditional Antiguan Vegetable Side Dish)

Posted by Waivio guest: @waivio_didi