Trini Sawine Recipe

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Indulge in the rich flavors of Trinidadian cuisine with our Trini sawine recipe. Easy to make, delicious to taste – perfect for any occasion!

Trini Sawine

Publisher: Recipe Volt
Cuisine: Trinidadian
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 250 calories

About Ingredients Instructions Video Servings Tips Substitutes

Trini sawine, also known as sweet vermicelli, is a beloved dessert and breakfast dish in Trinidad and Tobago, deeply rooted in the country's culinary heritage. This delightful treat features toasted vermicelli cooked in a sweet, spiced milk mixture, creating a comforting and aromatic dish that is enjoyed by Trinidadians of all ages.

The preparation of Trini sawine involves toasting the vermicelli until it achieves a golden brown hue, enhancing its nutty flavor profile. The toasted vermicelli is then simmered in a mixture of evaporated milk, water, sugar, and an array of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Raisins and mixed peel are often added to provide bursts of sweetness and texture, further enriching the dish.

Trini sawine is traditionally served warm but can also be enjoyed chilled, making it a versatile dish suitable for any time of day. It is commonly served during special occasions and celebrations, including religious festivals like Eid ul-Fitr and Hindu weddings, where it holds cultural significance.

Beyond its delicious taste, Trini sawine holds a special place in Trinidadian culture, evoking feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Its preparation often brings families and communities together, as it is a dish that is lovingly made and shared among loved ones.

Whether enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a comforting breakfast, Trini sawine embodies the warmth and richness of Trinidadian cuisine, making it a cherished culinary tradition for generations to come.

Recipe

Discover the tantalizing flavors of Trini sawine! Dive into this creamy, spiced delight that's perfect for any occasion. Get the recipe now!

Ingredients

1 cup vermicelli (sawine)
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup mixed peel (optional)
2-3 cinnamon sticks
2-3 cloves
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)

Method Instructions

Break the vermicelli into smaller pieces (about 2-inch long).
In a dry skillet, toast the vermicelli over medium heat until golden brown. Keep stirring to prevent burning. This step enhances the flavor of the vermicelli.
In a pot, add water, evaporated milk, sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Add the toasted vermicelli to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the sawine uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vermicelli is soft and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Stir in the raisins and mixed peel (if using) during the last few minutes of cooking.
Once the sawine is cooked to your desired consistency and the flavors have melded, remove the pot from the heat.
Serve the sawine hot or chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Trini sawine! It's a comforting treat that's perfect for any time of day.

Recipe Video

Trini Sawine

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Recipe Tags: Trini Sawine, Trini Sawine Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Trini sawine can be served in various ways, depending on personal preference and occasion. Here are a few common serving suggestions:

Hot: Serve Trini sawine warm straight from the pot. Ladle it into bowls or small cups, ensuring to distribute the vermicelli and any additional ingredients like raisins evenly. The warmth of the dish enhances its comforting qualities, making it perfect for cold mornings or as a cozy dessert.
Chilled: If you prefer a cooler option, allow the Trini sawine to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it until chilled. Serve it cold in bowls or dessert glasses for a refreshing treat on a hot day or as a sweet ending to a meal.
Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon on top of each serving just before serving. This adds a pop of color and extra flavor, enhancing the presentation and overall enjoyment of the dish.
Accompaniments: Trini sawine can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other treats. Consider serving it alongside freshly baked pastries, such as coconut buns or sweet bread, for a more substantial breakfast or dessert spread. You can also serve it with a cup of hot tea or coffee to complement its sweetness.
Decorations: For special occasions or celebrations, consider garnishing each serving with a sprig of mint or a slice of citrus fruit for an elegant touch. This not only adds visual appeal but also introduces additional flavors and aromas to the dish.

Tips

Toast the Vermicelli Carefully: Take your time to toast the vermicelli evenly in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning, as it can happen quickly. Toasting the vermicelli enhances its flavor and texture, so don't rush this step.
Adjust Sugar to Taste: The amount of sugar in the recipe can be adjusted according to your preference for sweetness. Start with the recommended amount and taste the sawine as it cooks. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more sugar gradually until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices whenever possible. Grate fresh nutmeg and use whole cinnamon sticks and cloves for a more intense and aromatic spice profile. Fresh spices will elevate the taste of your Trini sawine.
Be Mindful of Texture: Pay attention to the texture of the vermicelli as it cooks. You want it to be soft but still have some bite to it. If it becomes too mushy, you may have cooked it for too long. Conversely, if it's too firm, you can add a bit more liquid and continue cooking until it reaches the desired consistency.
Add Raisins at the Right Time: If you're using raisins, add them towards the end of the cooking process. This will prevent them from becoming too soft and mushy. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they can plump up slightly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
Experiment with Add-Ins: While traditional Trini sawine includes raisins and mixed peel, feel free to experiment with other add-ins such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or shredded coconut. These additions can add extra texture and flavor to the dish, making it even more enjoyable.

Ingredient Substitutes

Vermicelli: If you don't have vermicelli on hand, you can substitute it with thin spaghetti broken into small pieces or angel hair pasta. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta you use.
Evaporated Milk: If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk as a substitute. Alternatively, you can mix equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream to mimic the richness of evaporated milk.
Sugar: You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice. Adjust the quantity to taste, as different sweeteners may have varying levels of sweetness.
Spices: If you don't have whole spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves, you can use ground cinnamon and ground cloves instead. Just be mindful of the quantity, as ground spices tend to be more potent than whole spices.
Raisins: If you don't have raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits such as currants, chopped apricots, or chopped dates. Alternatively, you can omit the raisins altogether if you prefer.
Mixed Peel: Mixed peel adds a citrusy flavor and chewy texture to Trini sawine, but if you don't have it, you can omit it or substitute it with grated orange or lemon zest for a similar citrusy flavor.
Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm, nutty flavor to the sawine, but if you don't have it, you can use ground nutmeg instead. Just use a smaller quantity, as ground nutmeg is more potent than freshly grated nutmeg.
Vanilla Extract: If you don't have vanilla extract, you can use vanilla essence or vanilla bean paste as a substitute. Alternatively, you can omit the vanilla altogether if you prefer.