Trinidadian Green Seasoning

Homemade Green Seasoning Recipe: A Caribbean Essential

Green seasoning is the foundation of countless Caribbean dishes, bringing bold herbal flavors and depth to meats, seafood, and vegetables and soups like in my — Trini Beef Soup Recipe. This vibrant blend of fresh aromatics is a must-have for any Trini kitchen.

Green seasoning previously portioned out and frozen

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Washing Your Ingredients

Before blending, it’s important to thoroughly clean all herbs and vegetables, as they often carry dirt and grit. Wash everything with vinegar and water to remove any impurities. A salad spinner works great for drying the herbs after washing since this recipe calls for a large amount of fresh greens.

Thyme soaking in vinegar and water

Chadon beni vs. Cilantro

For authentic Caribbean seasoning, chadon beni (culantro) is preferred. It has a stronger, deeper flavour than cilantro, making it the ideal herb for green seasoning. If you can’t find chadon beni, check your local Asian or Caribbean grocery stores, where it may be labeled as ‘culantro.’ If unavailable, cilantro is a great substitute and will still provide wonderful flavour.

Portioning & Freezing for Later Use

This seasoning is incredibly versatile! After blending, portion it into small containers or ice cube trays and freeze for future use. It’s a staple in many Caribbean dishes, including stew chicken, curry chicken, and even marinades for meats and seafood. Having pre-portioned green seasoning ready to go makes meal prep quick and easy.

Homemade Green Seasoning Recipe

Prep Time: 1 hour | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Yields: 6-8 Servings

Ingredients

Ingredients with an asterisk have additional notes below.

• 3 bunches Green Onions (Scallions)

• 1 Whole Head of Garlic (Peeled)

• 1 White Onion (Peeled and Roughly Chopped)

• 1 Bell Pepper (Any Color, Seeds Removed, Roughly Chopped)

• 1 Knob of Ginger (Peeled and Roughly Chopped)

• 1 Bunch Chadon beni (Culantro) *

• 1 Bunch Parsley

• 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Add More if Desired)

• 1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns

• 1/2 Tbsp All-Spice Berries

• 1-2 Tsp Salt

• 1/3 Cup Olive or Vegetable Oil

• 1 Bunch Thyme Leaves (Stripped from Stems)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash & Prep Ingredients

1. Rinse the green onions, bell pepper, white onion, chadon beni, parsley, and thyme thoroughly.

2. Peel the garlic cloves, white onion, and ginger.

3. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and Scotch bonnet (if desired) and roughly chop all ingredients into smaller chunks for easier blending.

Step 2: Blend to Desired Consistency

1. Add all prepped ingredients to a blender or food processor.

2. Pulse until you achieve a chunky paste, similar to salsa verde. Avoid over-blending into a smooth purée—texture is key!

3. If needed, add a small amount of water or additional oil to assist with blending.

Step 3: Store & Use

1. Transfer the green seasoning to a clean, airtight container.

2. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze in portions for longer storage.

3. Use as a marinade for meats, seafood, or as a flavor booster in soups and stews.

Notes

*Chadon Beni can be subbed with cilantro if you cannot find it.

Share Your Creations!

I’d love to see how you use this Homemade Green Seasoning in your cooking! If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @LolaVickys and use the hashtag #LVCaribbeanFlavours so I can check out your delicious creations. Happy cooking!

This simple yet essential seasoning will elevate your Caribbean dishes, adding layers of fresh, aromatic flavour. Try it in our Trini Beef Soup Recipe for an authentic taste of the islands!