Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew

Name: Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Cultural World Food Inspiration

I absolutely love making this Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew, especially on chilly evenings. The warm, comforting flavors create a perfect harmony, transporting me straight to the Caribbean. I adore how the sweetness of the potatoes complements the nuttiness of the chickpeas, making each spoonful a delightful experience. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight meal. You'll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that's both delicious and nutritious!

Created by

Linnea Porter

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:53:39.930Z

When I first tried Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew, I was captivated by its rich flavors and hearty texture. The combination of spices like cumin and thyme really lifts the dish and makes it stand out. I learned that cooking the chickpeas until they are tender before adding them to the sweet potatoes enhances the overall creaminess of the stew, giving it a luscious mouthfeel.

After experimenting with various seasoning methods, I found that letting the stew simmer for a bit allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Don't rush this step; it's worth the wait! Garnishing with fresh cilantro just before serving adds a refreshing touch that elevates this dish even more.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Vibrant flavors that evoke the essence of Jamaican cuisine
Nutritious and filling, perfect for any meal of the day
Simple recipe that can be prepared in just 45 minutes

      

The Role of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a star ingredient in this stew, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked. Their vibrant orange color not only brings visual appeal but also indicates they are brimming with beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. When dicing the sweet potatoes, aim for even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly, becoming tender without turning mushy.

If you prefer a twist, you can swap in butternut squash or even yellow potatoes, though this may alter the flavor profile. Remember, whatever substitute you choose, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different varieties retain firmness for different durations.

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right texture in your stew is all about balancing the cooking times. When adding your sweet potatoes and carrots, keep the heat at medium to allow them to soften gradually while absorbing the flavors from the spices. If you notice them starting to brown too quickly, simply reduce the heat to medium-low and stir more frequently to avoid any burning.

After simmering for 25 minutes, the sweet potatoes should be fork-tender but not falling apart. If they are still firm, give them an additional few minutes. Remember that they will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the heat, so it’s essential to check for doneness just before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew can serve as a hearty main dish or a delightful side. I love serving it with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa, which complements the stew's richness and absorbs the delicious coconut milk broth beautifully. For a delightful crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top when plating.

You can also experiment with the spices! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can introduce a pleasant heat, while fresh ginger can enhance the stew’s warmth and aroma. If you want additional protein, toss in some diced cooked chicken or tofu during the last few minutes of simmering.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cook the aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add vegetables and spices

Stir in the diced carrots and sweet potatoes, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the cumin, thyme, and turmeric, stirring well to combine.

Incorporate chickpeas and coconut milk

Add the chickpeas and coconut milk to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Simmer and adjust seasoning

Reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer for about 25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy your hearty, flavorful Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew!

Pro Tips

For added spice, consider including a chopped jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the aromatics. This stew also freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This stew is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If planning to freeze, allow it to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

To maintain the best consistency, avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it may lead to uneven warming and could affect the texture of the sweet potatoes. A gentle reheat on the stove will help preserve its delicious creaminess.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your stew seems too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up, stirring to combine. Conversely, if it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate and intensify the flavors.

Should you find the flavor lacking, a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the dish significantly. Additionally, adjusting salt and pepper towards the end of the cooking process helps to calibrate the dish to your palate, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas

Running low on coconut milk? You can substitute with almond milk for a lighter option, but be mindful that it will change the creamy texture and sweetness. You might want to add a bit of maple syrup or an extra dash of spices to regain some of that depth.

For a gluten-free or grain-free option, serve the stew over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables instead of traditional rice. This not only adds a bright pop of color but also increases the nutritional profile, making it a wonderfully healthy dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as frozen vegetables generally cook faster.

→ Is there a substitute for coconut milk?

You can use vegetable broth or almond milk, but the flavor will be slightly different.

→ What can I serve with this stew?

This stew pairs well with rice, quinoa, or even crusty bread for an extra hearty meal.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick!