Whether you’re daydreaming about a past trip or living your best life in Belize, start your day off with a typical and authentic Belizean breakfast. Here’s how.
What makes a Belizean Breakfast Authentic?
A classic Belizean breakfast combines the best of Belize’s Central American location with its Caribbean culture and roots. It all adds up to a tasty ensemble of flavors that’s sure to leave you craving more. As far as “a mixing pot of culture” goes, key elements combine for Creole-based Fry Jacks, Maya-influenced Eggs and Chaya, and Yucatan-inspired Refried Beans.
Start with the Eggs
Photo by Uwe Conrad on Unsplash
First, your breakfast order starts with eggs. You can have them fried, scrambled, in an omelet, or poached. If you’re going for a full Belizean experience, add the Maya spinach available in Belize, Chaya. Sautéed Chaya is also sometimes an ingredient in Belizean tamales, pupusas, or soups.
Add the Extras
Fry Jack at Pop’s Restaurant. Photo by the Belize Tourism Board
With refried beans adaptable for every meal in Belize, breakfast is no exception. Starting with onions and garlic sizzled in fragrant coconut oil, freshly cooked kidney beans are then simmered to perfection. After, these beans are served blended and hot as a versatile breakfast companion.
Most Belizeans will choose locally-produced bacon or breakfast sausage. Vegetarian? Instead, try it the Maya way with sliced tomatoes. For the “icing on the cake”, add a slice of locally-loved Edam ‘Dutch’ Cheese or a wedge of Happy Cow Cheese.
Puffy fry jacks are Pop’s signature. Image via Belize Tourism Board
The Main Attraction: Fry Jacks
At almost every breakfast place in Belize, you’ll be given the option of adding tortillas, johnny cakes, or fry jacks as your main. What’s the difference? In the US, a johnny cake is a flatbread made of cornmeal. In the Caribbean, it’s a rich bun similar to a biscuit. Many people stuff johnny cakes with cheese, meat, or other fillings. However, if you want a truly authentic Belizean breakfast, choose fry jacks. Fry jacks are delicate, puffy pieces of fried dough and the star of the show.
Condiments
Marie Sharp’s signature products. Image via Kevin Quischan Photography
Every table in Belize sports a bottle of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce. This local product is a much-loved staple. On tables countryside, you can also find a bowl of Belizean pico de Gallo, a dish of chopped onions in vinegar, or even some Marie Sharp’s jams and jellies. These are standard condiments at every meal, even breakfast.
How to Make Fry Jacks
If you want a taste of Belize in your own kitchen, you can check out the Flavors of Belize recipe below for fry jacks! Whether you have a day of swimming, fishing, or Maya temple exploration planned, start your day the Belizean way.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
- 3/4 cup water
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Cut shortening into flour. Add water, a little at a time, to make a soft, but not sticky dough. Divide dough into two rounds. Let rest for 15 to 20 minutes. Lightly flour countertop or cutting board. Roll dough out to about 10 to 12 inches round. Cut lengthwise into 2 to 3-inch strips and then crosswise to desired size. Heat oil and fry on each side until golden brown. Serve hot with honey, jam, sugar or refried beans and cheese.
This article was published in April 2020.
