Jamaican Braised Kidney & Fried Breadfruit | Nose-to-Tail Cooking, Catering & In-Home Experience

In recent years, the culinary world has embraced the idea of nose-to-tail dining. Using every part of the animal to reduce waste and honour the whole ingredient. But for Jamaicans, this is nothing new. It’s how we’ve cooked for generations.

Growing up in Jamaica, I was raised on chicken gizzard, cow liver, and braised kidney, dishes many people today are only just discovering. For us, these weren’t strange or exotic; they were normal, deeply satisfying parts of everyday life.

Today, I’m thrilled to share one of those cherished recipes with you: Jamaican Braised Kidney served with Fried Breadfruit ; rich, hearty, and full of flavour.

Nose-to-Tail Is Nothing New in Jamaica

Before it was a trend, it was our truth.

From cow foot soup and oxtail stew to liver and onions, Jamaicans have always made use of every part of the animal. This practice is about more than economy, it’s about respect, creativity, and deep culinary wisdom passed down from generation to generation.

We’ve always known how to turn the “humble” into the unforgettable.

Recipe: Jamaican Braised Kidney with Fried Breadfruit

Ingredients – Braised Kidney:

• 1 lb cow kidney (sliced and cleaned)

• 1 lime or 2 tbsp vinegar (for cleaning)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (whole or sliced, optional)

• 1 sprig thyme

• 1 stalk scallion, chopped

• 1/2 tsp Maggi all-purpose seasoning

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp browning or mushroom flavoured soya sauce(optional)

• 1 cup water or beef broth

• 1 tbsp oil

Directions:

1. Clean the Kidney: Slice and soak kidney in vinegar or lime water for 15–20 minutes. Rinse well to remove any strong odours.

2. Season: Add garlic, onion, thyme, scallion, pepper, seasoning, and browning. Let sit for 30 minutes or more.

3. Sear: Heat oil in a pan and brown kidney pieces for a few minutes.

4. Simmer: Add broth and ketchup. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes until kidney is tender and sauce is thick.

5. Serve hot with fried breadfruit.

Bonus: How to Fry Breadfruit

Ingredients:

• 1 medium breadfruit (peeled, sliced)

• Salt

• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet.

2. Fry breadfruit slices until golden brown.

3. Drain on paper towel and sprinkle with salt.

It’s the perfect companion to a hearty braised dish, crispy, satisfying, and unmistakably Jamaican.

Book a Jamaican Cooking Experience You’ll Never Forget

Want to learn how to prepare dishes like this in your own kitchen?

Our Jamaican Cooking Experience is an intimate, in-home culinary adventure where you’ll:

• Cook authentic Jamaican meals guided step-by-step

• Learn techniques passed down through generations

• Use real island ingredients provided for you

• Enjoy a personalized and meaningful experience

Great for couples, families, food lovers, or anyone looking to bring a taste of the Caribbean into their home!

📍 Available in: Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Milton, Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, Hamilton & more

👉 Click here to book now or email [email protected] for more info.

Hosting a Party or Special Event? Let Us Cater for You!

In addition to cooking experiences, we offer full Jamaican catering services for:

• Corporate lunches & team events

• Weddings & private parties

• Community festivals

• Birthdays, anniversaries, and more

From traditional favourites like jerk chicken, curry goat, and rice & peas to rich heritage dishes like cow foot, brown stew, and of course – braised kidney — we bring the flavour, culture, and soul of Jamaica straight to your event.

Whether it’s an intimate dinner for 10 or a feast for 100, our team is ready to serve up food that gets people talking — and going back for seconds.

👉 Reach out today to plan your menu!
[email protected]| 📍 Serving the GTA & surrounding areas.