Curry Cow Foot – issa ting

Jamaica Cow foot (cow heel) Curry with Butter beans (Photo by Cynthia Nelson)

I know you’ve had and like cow heel soup. And we know cow heel is a must-have for many of us when making Pepperpot. However, have you ever had curry cow heel or as the Jamaicans say, curry cow foot? If you haven’t, you should try it… issa ting! A delicious ting!

In the days when sugar was king, the roasts, fillets and other prime cuts of beef or pork went to the Great House. Our ancestors would get the tails, head, tripe, and feet. They were called the ‘fifth quarter’. All of these ‘fifth quarter’ pieces require long, slow cooking that turn into succulent meats that are must-have signature ingredients for many of our favourite, beloved local dishes, that help define our cuisine.