Staying at Blue Haven in Rainbow Bay, Eleuthera is all about enjoying the natural beauty of the island—exploring beaches, snorkeling, and soaking in the Caribbean sun. After a long day of adventure, the last thing you want to worry about is spending hours cooking. That’s where crock-pot meals come in! With minimal prep in the morning, you can come back to a hearty, delicious meal waiting for you, allowing you to fully relax.
Here are some easy, cost-effective crock-pot recipes perfect for your stay on Eleuthera, featuring local ingredients and flavors, with ideas for sourcing the ingredients at nearby stores.
Bahamian-Style Chicken Stew
This slow-cooked chicken stew is packed with island flavors and is perfect for a comforting meal after a beach day. The best part? It’s made with simple, locally sourced ingredients.
Ingredients:
4-6 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor, sourced from Eleuthera Supply or Big Rock Market)
2 large onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 bell peppers, chopped
4-6 large tomatoes, chopped (fresh from Island Farm)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and diced
1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional for heat)
2 cups chicken broth
2 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
In the morning, heat olive oil in a pan, and lightly brown the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side (optional for added flavor).
Add all ingredients (including the browned chicken) into the crock pot.
Pour the chicken broth over everything, then add thyme, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir gently to combine.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serve with rice or Bahamian peas and rice, which can be prepped earlier or bought pre-made.
Cost Tip: Chicken and veggies are affordable staples at most local grocery stores, and you can use seasonal veggies like tomatoes and peppers from Island Farm to add local flavor.
Crock-Pot Pulled Pork with Pineapple Salsa
Enjoy the tropical flavors of Eleuthera with this sweet and savory pulled pork recipe. It’s easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or even served over rice.
Ingredients:
3-4 lbs pork shoulder (buy from Eleuthera Supply or Midway Cost Cutters)
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup pineapple juice (from fresh or canned)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Serve with rice or in gluten-free wraps from Bacchus Fine Foods
For the Pineapple Salsa:
1 ripe pineapple, diced (available at Island Farm or local vendors)
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
Place the pork shoulder in the crock pot. Add sliced onions, garlic, BBQ sauce, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Cook on low for 8-10 hours, until the pork is tender and falls apart.
While the pork is cooking, make the pineapple salsa by combining all salsa ingredients in a bowl. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce in the crock pot.
Serve with pineapple salsa on top, over rice, or in wraps.
Cost Tip: Pork shoulder is a budget-friendly cut, and the tropical pineapple adds a delicious twist that’s in line with the local island vibe.
Vegetarian Lentil & Coconut Curry
A hearty vegetarian option, this lentil and coconut curry is packed with nutrients and island-inspired flavors. It’s also perfect for any guests who prefer gluten-free or plant-based meals.
Ingredients:
1 cup dried lentils (from Big Rock Market or Bacchus Fine Foods)
1 can coconut milk
1 large sweet potato, diced
2 carrots, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Serve with rice or gluten-free naan (from Bacchus Fine Foods)
Instructions:
Place lentils, sweet potato, carrots, onion, and garlic in the crock pot.
Add curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth.
Pour the coconut milk over everything, stir gently to combine.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the lentils are soft and the vegetables are tender.
Serve over rice with fresh cilantro for garnish.
Cost Tip: Lentils and vegetables are inexpensive and readily available at local stores. The coconut milk adds a creamy, tropical touch that elevates the dish.
Bahamian Peas and Rice with Slow-Cooked Pork Sausages
A classic Bahamian dish, peas and rice is easy to make in the crock pot. Add slow-cooked pork sausages for extra flavor and protein. This meal is filling, flavorful, and perfect after a day at the beach.
Ingredients:
1 cup pigeon peas (canned or dried, available at most grocery stores)
2 cups rice
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can coconut milk
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
4-6 pork sausages (from Eleuthera Supply)
Thyme, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Brown the pork sausages in a pan for 2-3 minutes on each side (optional).
Add all ingredients to the crock pot, including the sausages.
Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, and stir to combine.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Fluff the rice before serving. Serve with a simple side salad.
Cost Tip: Rice, peas, and sausages are all affordable ingredients available on the island, making this a budget-friendly yet delicious meal.
Crock-Pot Jerk Chicken
This easy jerk chicken recipe brings the flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. The slow-cooked chicken is juicy and full of spicy, smoky flavor, perfect for enjoying after a beach day.
Ingredients:
4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks (from Midway Cost Cutters or Eleuthera Supply)
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp jerk seasoning (available at local stores)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce (or gluten-free tamari from Bacchus Fine Foods)
1 lime, juiced
Instructions:
Place the chicken in the crock pot. Add the onion, garlic, jerk seasoning, brown sugar, orange juice, soy sauce, and lime juice.
Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serve with rice, coleslaw, or fried plantains.
Cost Tip: Jerk seasoning is readily available at local stores, and chicken thighs are a budget-friendly protein option. Pair this meal with simple sides for a complete dinner.
Final Tips for Crock-Pot Meals in Eleuthera
Prep in the Morning: Set up your crock-pot meals before heading out to explore the island, so dinner is ready when you return.
Local Ingredients: Incorporate fresh, local ingredients like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and pineapple to add Bahamian flair to your dishes.
Shop Smart: Grocery stores around Rainbow Bay, like Eleuthera Supply and Bacchus Fine Foods, offer a range of products, from basic ingredients to gluten-free options, perfect for these easy recipes.
Leftovers: Crock-pot meals are great for leftovers, so you can enjoy them over a couple of days and reduce the need for extra cooking.
With these crock-pot recipes, you'll have more time to relax, enjoy the beaches, and savor the flavors of Eleuthera without the hassle of cooking long meals after a day of adventure.
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