american-virgin-islandssoup

USVI Kallaloo

Name: USVI Kallaloo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: american-virgin-islands
Ingredients: 400 g fresh spinach or dasheen leaves; 2 cups sliced okra; 2 blue crabs (cleaned and halved); 150 g salted pork or bacon (diced); 1 onion (chopped); 1.5 litres water or light chicken broth

Hearty okra-thickened stew with crab, spinach, and Caribbean spices.

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

★★★★★

4.8(334 ratings)

#stew#crab#okra#greens#gluten-free

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About This Recipe

Kallaloo (spelt differently from the BVI version) is the signature dish of the United States Virgin Islands. Crab, salted pork, okra, and leafy greens are slow-simmered into a thick, flavourful stew that is central to local celebrations and Sunday gatherings.

Ingredients

Serves 6

400 gfresh spinach or dasheen leaves
2 cupssliced okra
2blue crabs(cleaned and halved)
150 gsalted pork or bacon(diced)
1onion(chopped)
1.5 litreswater or light chicken broth

Instructions

1
Brown pork
Render salted pork in a large pot until lightly browned. Remove excess fat if desired.
2
Build base
Add onion and cook until soft. Add greens, okra, and broth. Bring to a boil.
3
Add crab
Add crab pieces and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to break down okra.
The okra will naturally thicken the stew.
4
Season and serve
Season with black pepper and hot sauce. Serve with johnny cake or rice.

Pro Tips

→
Let the stew sit 10 minutes before serving — it thickens as it rests.
→
Crab shells add deep flavour; don't skip them.

Variations

•
Use shrimp or conch instead of crab.
•
Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat gently.

History & Origin

USVI kallaloo is rooted in West African cooking traditions and has evolved through centuries of island life, often called the national dish of the Virgin Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the same as Trinidadian callaloo?

They share common roots but the USVI version typically includes crab and has a chunkier texture.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 6 servings total

Calories280kcal

Protein24g

Carbohydrates12g

Fat12g

Fiber4g

Protein24g

Carbs12g

Fat12g

Time Summary

Prep time20 min

Cook time45 min

Total time65 min

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Instructions

Brown pork

Render salted pork in a large pot until lightly browned. Remove excess fat if desired.

Build base

Add onion and cook until soft. Add greens, okra, and broth. Bring to a boil.

Add crab

Add crab pieces and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to break down okra.

The okra will naturally thicken the stew.

Season and serve

Season with black pepper and hot sauce. Serve with johnny cake or rice.