Republic Day

Guyana celebrates Republic Day or Mashramani (abbreviated as ‘Mash) on February usually on the 23rd. Guyanese citizens enjoy festive and colourful parades much like that of a carnival, music, and games. Guyanese cook on this special day to mark the birth of a new country. Mashramani should not be confused with the country’s Independence Day on May 26. After it gained independence from the British in 1966, the Guyanese people established itself as an independent nation or a democratic sovereign country as stated in the British Commonwealth of 1970. The word Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means to celebrate/celebrating a job well done. It is the most celebrated holiday in Guyana as floats, parades and masquerade party and dancing flood the street a scenery which reflects the country’s proud African heritage.

Pepperpot

Serves 6
Ingredient:

  • 1/4 cup oil
  • 1 pound stewing beef cubed
  • 6 small ox tails
  • 4 pigs feet or ham hock ( not smoked)
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup cassareep ( no subs for this at all)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
  • 3  hot pepper whole
  • 1 stock fresh time
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 fresh basil leaves

Method:

In a large skillet or Dutch oven brown beef and ox tails, keep warm and set aside. In the same pan sauté  onions until soft then add garlic and cook for 1 minute, add the meat back to pan with onions cover with water and add remaining ingredients simmer for 3 hours serve with rice or roasted root vegetables. I like bread.

Try with:
Banks lager or South African Red (Pinotage)           CHEERS!!