Jamaican Stew Peas
This cozy Jamaican stew is a delectable mix of red beans, meat, and special dumplings called spinners. Cook it all up in an aromatic coconut milk broth with Jamaican spices for a hearty island stew!
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 1 hr
- Yield
- 6 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) canola oil (or more)
- 1½ pounds (680g) meat ((stew beef, smoked turkey, oxtails, pork tails))
- ½ onion, (diced)
- 2-3 green onions (or scallions)
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2-3 teaspoons (6-9g) minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons (4g) allspice
- 2 teaspoons (2g) fresh thyme
- 1½ teaspoons (3g) smoked paprika
- 1 large bay leaf
- 4 cups (700g) cooked kidney beans (or two or three 15-ounce cans, rinsed and drained)
- 2 cups (470ml) coconut milk
- 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth ( or more (vegetable broth works, too))
- salt and white pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup (120g) flour
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) coconut milk (or water (enough to form a soft dough))
- ¾-1 teaspoons (6g) garlic salt (or plain salt)
Instructions
- 1
Season stew beef with salt and pepper to thoroughly cover all sides.
- 2
Heat the oil in an oven-safe Dutch oven over medium heat. Add stew beef and turkey sauté (or choice of meat), and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until the beef is slightly browned.
- 3
Add onions, green onions, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, and allspice and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Pour in coconut milk, broth, and beans, bring to a boil, and let it simmer for 40 minutes or more, depending on your choice of protein. If using a tough cut of meat, you may want to cook it before adding the beans.
- 5
While the stew is simmering, make the spinners by combining water, flour, and garlic salt in a medium bowl. Knead the dough between 30 seconds and a minute to form a soft dough.
- 6
Divide the dough into 10-14 equal pieces.
- 7
Shape the pieces by rolling them with your hands into a log—somewhat like a sausage. Repeat the process until finished. Set aside.
- 8
About 15 minutes before the stew is ready, gently drop the dumplings into the pot – add more water or coconut milk if needed.
- 9
Let it cook until tender—15-20 minutes.
- 10
Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper, and serve piping hot.