Solomon Gundy

This mysterious name is said to have come from the word ‘Salmagundy’ (from the original French salmigondis), which refers to a salad made of minced ingredients and which was popular in the court of Louis XIV. It has come a long way from there. Today it is a Jamaican speciality made with minced, smoked red herring and spices. It is certainly an acquired taste, somewhat like anchovies; you either like this strong fish paste or you don’t. It is very popular on crackers, served as an appetizer, or blended with cream cheese for a dip which makes it much milder. ‘Gundy’, as it is familiarly known, can be tossed with penne pasta, olive oil, garlic, cilantro (coriander) and tomatoes for a quick and simple (you only cook the pasta) dinner.