Happy Independence Day, Dominica! On November 3rd, the Caribbean country gained independence from the British. To celebrate, we are exploring the cultural history and cuisine of the country. Let’s jump right in!

The culture of Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is a mixture of indigenous Kalinago, African, French, and English influences. Before being colonized by the British, Dominica, known as Waitukubuli by the Kalinago, was colonized by France. In 2001, over 86% of the population was reported to be Black.

(Fried frog legs. Image by David Reber via Wikimedia Commons )

Mountain Chicken is a fried frog legs dish that used to be the national dish of Dominica. As the Mountain Frog is now an endangered species, the Giant Ditch Frog is no longer a national dish. However, many still enjoy the dish with chicken instead of frog meat.

(Callaloo. Image by Shivonne Du Barry via Flickr )

Callaloo, the national dish of Dominica since 2013, is a leafy vegetable usually stewed with coconut milk, spices, onions, garlic, thyme, and more. It is served as a side dish, or a main dish with spinach, root vegetables like dasheen or taro, and various meats. Crab callaloo is a dish in Dominica that is traditionally made by the Kalinago people, who are indigenous to the islands, and came to the country after the Caribs during the prehistoric times.

(Dried manioc. Image by ‘Uploader’ via Wikimedia Commons )

Manioc or Cassava bread is a traditional dish made by the Kalinago tribe of Dominica. It is made from grated cassava and is mixed with sugar, salt, ginger, and baked in a leaf on an open fire.

(Fritters. Image by Elin B via Flickr)

Titiwi Accra is a fritters dish made of tiny fish called Titiwi, fried in a dough mix made with flour, a red seasoning pepper, parsley, salt, all-purpose seasoning, lemon juice, and hot sauce.

(Fish soup. Image by Stu_spivack via Flickr )

Dominican Saltfish Sancoche is a hearty stew fish dish, usually eaten with ground vegetables, known as ground provisions in Dominica, and dumplings. The saltfish stew is made with salted cod, onion, carrots, turmeric, peppers, coconut milk, and spices.

(Stewed chicken. Image by Ceeseven via Wikimedia Commons)

Dominican Calypso Chicken is made by marinating chicken in vinegar, sugar, spices, thyme, and searing it in oil with guava jelly, sugar, or honey, and adding cut onion, red wine, mushrooms, onions, and cashews.

(Raisin Bun. Image by Alpha via Flickr)