Trini Fry Bodi

If you’ve ever visited Trinidad and Tobago or enjoyed tasting its rich cuisine, you know that food plays a huge role in the culture.

One dish that often flies under the radar but is a staple in many homes is fry bodi. This simple yet flavorful dish is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.

Growing up in a Trini household, I remember my grandmother making fry bodi for breakfast or dinner, filling the kitchen with the delicious aroma of garlic, onion, and fresh seasonings.

What is Bodi?

Bodi (pronounced boh-dee) is the Trini name for yardlong beans, also known as Chinese long beans. These beans are long, slender, and green, resembling a stretched-out version of string beans.

Bodi is a popular vegetable in Trinidad and Tobago because of its versatility and rich, slightly sweet, earthy taste. It’s a staple in Caribbean and Asian cuisine and is often used in curries, stir-fries, and stews.

Recipe: How to Make Fry Bodi

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch bodi (yardlong beans), washed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 pimento pepper, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup water (if needed for softer texture)

Instructions:

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Add garlic and onion, and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).

Add chopped bodi and pimento pepper, stirring well.

Season with salt, black pepper, turmeric, and cumin if using.

Stir and let cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

If the bodi seems dry or you want a softer texture, add a little water and cover for 2 minutes.

Once tender but still slightly crisp, remove from heat and serve hot.

What Can You Do with Bodi?

1. Curry Bodi

One of the most popular ways to prepare bodi is to curry it. In this dish, bodi is cut into small pieces and cooked with curry powder, garlic, onion, and coconut milk for extra richness. You can also add shrimp, chicken, or even potatoes for a heartier meal.

2. Stew Bodi

Stew bodi is another great way to enjoy this vegetable. The beans are cooked with browning sauce, tomato, onion, and seasonings until they become tender and full of flavor. Some people like to add pieces of salted meat or smoked fish for an extra layer of taste.

3. Steam Bodi

For a healthy and simple dish, bodi can be steamed with just a little salt, garlic, and butter. This method keeps all the nutrients in the vegetable while enhancing its natural sweetness.

4. Fry Bodi

And of course, the star of today’s post—fry bodi! This is the easiest and most common way to prepare bodi in Trinidad. It involves cutting the beans into small pieces and sautéing them with garlic, onion, pimento peppers, and a touch of salt and black pepper. It’s light, delicious, and pairs well with many traditional dishes.

What to Eat with Fry Bodi?

1. Fry Bake and Fry Bodi

2. Roti and Fry Bodi

3. Sada Roti and Fry Bodi

FAQ: Common Questions About Bodi

1. Is bodi the same as string beans?

No, bodi and string beans are similar but not the same. Bodi is much longer and has a slightly different taste and texture compared to regular string beans.

2. Where can I buy bodi?

If you’re in Trinidad and Tobago, you’ll find bodi at local markets and grocery stores. Outside of T&T, you can check Caribbean or Asian supermarkets for fresh or frozen yardlong beans.

3. Can I freeze bodi?

Yes! You can wash, chop, and store bodi in an airtight freezer bag for up to three months. This makes it easy to use when needed.

4. How long does it take to cook fry bodi?

Fry bodi is a quick dish that usually takes 10–15 minutes to cook. The key is to sauté the bodi until it becomes tender but not mushy.

5. Can I add meat to fry bodi?

Absolutely! Some people add saltfish, shrimp, or even diced chicken to their fry bodi for extra flavor and protein.

Fry bodi is one of those simple yet flavorful dishes that truly captures the heart of Trinidadian home cooking.

More Food To Eat With Sada Roti

• Trinidad Pumpkin Choka/ Pumpkin Talkari
• Caribbean Baigan Choka Recipe
• Trinidad Tomato Choka Recipe