Culinary Travel: Bahamian Must Eat: Fire Engine

Among the favorite Bahamian soul foods is a dish called Fire Engine. Perhaps more widely recognized as Steamed Corned Beef, this traditional breakfast is an absolute staple in the diets and culture of The Bahamian people. Canned corned beef sautéed with a medley of diced veggies and served alongside generous portions of buttery grits or rice is a dish designed to keep you satisfied from your first delicious bite to your next meal. Join us in discovering why Fire Engine is so popular among locals… 

What Is Fire Engine?

This salty, spicy, savory comfort food (or local hangover cure) is typically served at breakfast but like any good staple can also be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Keeping costs low and energy high, the bread basket, shelf-stable items that make up the core ingredients of the dish include: corned beef, tomato paste, corn kernels, seasonings, and grits or rice. Other ingredients of Fire Engine can be locally harvested or are easily accessible in the food markets, ie: onion, sweet pepper, celery, and tomatoes. Notably, a Fire Engine meal costs little to produce and keeps your belly warm and satisfied for a good while or at least until you’re ready to devour a second helping.

Origins Of The Dish:

Most interestingly, the name ‘Fire Engine’ has ambiguous origins. Like any good mystery, the more people you ask the more mislead you feel. We’ve narrowed our findings down to two of the most popular explanations you’ll encounter on the island:

A commonly cited theory is that Bahamian cooks add so much local, goat pepper to the dish that it feels like your mouth is on fire. And (ever so dramatically) you’d require the emergency assistance of a fire brigade to squelch the flames.

Another explanation you might hear signals the rich red tomatoey sauce of the steamed corned beef once prepared which contrasts the white grits or rice that the cook chooses as the starchy foundation of their version. Along with the optional bright yellow corn kernels thrown in for sweetness, the final result of this recipe resembles the aesthetics of a fire truck.

If seeing is believing, then we believe, tasting is understanding. We hope you’ll give this one a try on your next trip and decipher for yourself which explanation for its name you subscribe to.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon canola oil
2 cans (12 ounces each) corned beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/4 teaspoon thyme
3 tablespoons tomato paste
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
salt to taste

Directions:

On medium-high heat, sweat the onion, green bell pepper, and celery in a large frying pan with canola oil until translucent

Add all remaining ingredients into the frying pan, stirring regularly until the corned beef is heated through and becomes a smooth consistency

Reduce the stovetop to low heat, cover the frying pan with a fitted lid, and allow the ingredients to steam and flavors to develop for 15 minutes

The recipe yields a milder-flavored dish. If you prefer more heat, add diced hot pepper (local, Bahamian goat pepper preferred) or hot sauce to taste while cooking. And if you’re trying to limit your salt intake, it’s worth checking labels, since sodium levels vary among corned beef brands. Enjoy!

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
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