Indulge in the Exotic Flavors of Jamaican Beef Stew: The Ultimate Recipe for a Mouthwatering Experience

Jamaican beef stew

Table of Contents

This mouthwatering dish for Jamaican beef stew will be a delight with fans of Caribbean food. This recipe is ideal for any occasion thanks to a combination of flavorful spices and the luscious flavour of beef. This recipe is sure to please, whether you want to spice up your weeknight dinners or amaze your guests. 

Ingredients

Before we get into the details of the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you will need:

2 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 tablespoons of Jamaican curry powder

2 teaspoons of dried thyme

1 teaspoon of allspice

1 teaspoon of smoked paprika

2 cups of beef broth

1 can of diced tomatoes, drained

1 sweet potato, peeled and diced

2 carrots, peeled and sliced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Salt and pepper to taste

Jamaican beef stew

Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the recipe:

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the Jamaican curry powder, thyme, allspice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the beef and onions with the spices.

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, sweet potato, carrots, and bell pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for until the beef is tender.

In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water until it forms a smooth paste. Stir the mixture into the pot and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the stew thickens.

Serve hot with rice, plantains, or your favorite side dish.

FAQ

Can I substitute another beef cut for this recipe?

You can use any beef cut that is appropriate for stewing. However, depending on the type of meat you use, the cooking time may change.

Can I use chicken for the beef in this recipe?

You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts in place of the beef. Make sure to modify because the cooking time could be shorter.

Can I use an Instant Pot to prepare this recipe?

You can use an Instant Pot to create this dish, yes. Just follow the directions up to step 5, then add the ingredients to the Instant Pot and cook for 30 minutes on high pressure. Manually release the pressure, stir in the cornflour mixture, and simmer the stew on sauté for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.

How hot is Jamaican curry powder?

The typical Jamaican curry powder is hot. However, depending on the brand you use, the heat level can change. Reduce the amount of curry powder or substitute a mild curry powder if you like a softer flavour.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You may prepare this dish ahead of time and keep it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Add a little water or broth to loosen the stew when reheated.

Can I use fresh tomatoes with canned ones?

You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones. Simply cut them up and add the rest of the ingredients to the pot.

Tips for Making the Perfect Jamaican Beef Stew

Here are some ideas to keep in mind if you want to elevate your Jamaican beef stew:

Cook the stew in a Dutch oven or saucepan with a thick bottom. This will aid in the uniform distribution of heat and stop the stew from sticking to the bottom.

Before putting it to the pot, brown the beef. This step is crucial because it enhances flavour and aids in retaining in the beef’s fluids.

Never be reluctant to change the amount of spices to suit your preferences. Given that Jamaican curry powder has a strong flavour, it’s best to start with a tiny amount and add more as necessary. 

To prevent them from becoming mushy or overcooked, add the vegetables at the conclusion of the cooking procedure.

Variations of Jamaican Beef Stew

You can try a variety of Jamaican beef stew recipes in addition to the traditional one, which is wonderful on its own. Here are some suggestions to get you going: 

Add some heat: You can add some chopped scotch bonnet peppers to the saucepan if you want your stew hot. When handling these peppers, make sure to wear gloves because they are very hot. 

Change up the vegetables: Instead of using the typical ingredients of sweet potatoes, carrots, and bell pepper, try yams, pumpkin, or green beans. 

Vegetarian option: To make this meal vegetarian, simply swap the beef with seitan or tofu and use vegetable stock in place of the beef broth. 

Add coconut milk: You can add a can of coconut milk to the pot for a creamier, richer flavor. Additionally, it will help to temper the curry powder’s heat.

Health Benefits of Jamaican Beef Stew

Jamaican beef stew is not only tasty but also nutrient-rich. The following are a few health advantages of the components in this recipe: 

Beef: Beef is a fantastic source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, all of which are necessary for creating red blood cells, mending muscular tissue, and preserving a strong immune system. 

Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes are full in vitamins A and C, which support healthy skin, a strong immune system, and clear vision. 

Carrots: Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant, and vitamin A, which is necessary for maintaining healthy skin and eyes. 

Bell pepper: Bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C, which is necessary for wound healing, promoting healthy skin, and increasing immunity. 

Conclusion

Jamaican beef stew is a flavorful, adaptable, and delightful recipe that is simple to prepare. This dish is likely to be a favorite, whether you stick to the classic recipe or try your own tweaks. Therefore, why not give it a go right now and introduce a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen?

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