Fire Engine (Steamed Corned Beef)
In the Bahamas, Fire Engine, also known as Steamed Corned Beef, is a traditional breakfast. The Fire Engine of the Bahamas, which is sometimes described as a hangover cure, normally contains corned beef, corn, sweet pepper, tomato paste, rice, grits, celery, and onions. Fire Engine is popular in Bahamian breakfasts, but it can also be consumed as a delicious appetizer before moving on to other meals. Notably, a Fire Engine dish is inexpensive to prepare and will keep your stomach warm and satisfied for a long time.
Ingredients:
- 2 12oz. Tins corned beef
- 1 1/2 cups diced potato
- 1 Med. onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Celery stalk, diced
- 2-3 tbsp. Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 4-5 sprigs of thyme
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Hot sauce or Tobasco (optional)
- 2 teaspoon Minced goat pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste.
How to make Fire Engine:
- Heat a skillet or medium pan over medium-low heat and add the diced onion, potatoes, celery, and bell pepper, along with 2 tablespoons of water
- Stir continually for 3-5 minutes, or until the herbs and potatoes are transparent but not browned
- Mix in the thyme leaves (but not the stems)
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the tomato paste, remaining water, and other seasonings and spices
- Using a big fork or spoon, thoroughly mash the corned meat into the mixture, being careful not to mash the potatoes
- Check to see if the seasonings need to be modified to your liking
- Let it come to simmer before lowering the heat to medium-low and covering with a lid
- Cook for another 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically until the potatoes are tender
- Finally serve with hot grits or rice for a filling breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
