Jamaican Sweet Potato Stew

 This Jamaican Sweet Potato Stew is a favorite during the winter months, the smell that fills the house while it is cooking is amazing. It is vegan and gluten-free.  My Jamaican Pigeon Peas Stew, Vegan Jackfruit Stew, Ital Stew Recipe are other Jamaican inspired vegan stews that taste amazing served with a slice of Vegan Gluten-Free Cornbread. 

I love to make stews just the way my mom made hers with lots of Jamaican flavors and they always turn out amazing. I decided to make this sweet potato stew just in time for Thanksgiving. If you have never tried white sweet potato then you really should. It is quite different from the popular orange flesh sweet potato found here in the USA. 

What is Boniato or Caribbean Sweet Potato?

White sweet potato is also called Boniato, Batata, Kumara, Florida yam, camote, Cuban sweet potato,  Caribbean sweet potato. It is the most popular sweet potato that is found in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. The flavor reminds me of Japanese or Oriental sweet potato. 

It is a root vegetable or tube which has a white or beige flesh with pink or red skin. It has a firmer flesh when cooked than regular orange flesh sweet potato. White sweet potato has less water content than an orange sweet potato, so it tastes less sweet and is more starchy. 

Where Can You Purchase White Sweet Potato?

You can use white sweet potato or Boniato interchangeably with potato. Caribbean sweet potato is sold at Caribbean or West Indian supermarkets, Latino, Asian or African supermarkets. They are easy to grow in the garden as well and their leaves are edible and are enjoyed in many cultures. 

When buying sweet potato, make sure it is firm to touch with smooth skin and no blemish. 

Store your sweet potato in a cool dry place for about 10 days. It is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, potassium, and fiber. 

What Are The Ingredients?

1. Olive Oil – you can use oil of choice or saute with vegetable broth.
2. Onion
3. Bell Pepper
4. Garlic
5. Green Onion
6. Thyme
7. Parsley
8. Allspice – this is optional but adds an authentic Jamaican flavor to the stew.
9. Cayenne Pepper – I used a whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper
10. Sweet Potato – substitute with regular sweet potatoes if you can’t find the Caribbean sweet potato.
11. Butter Beans – I used this because we use butter beans a lot in our stews in Jamaica but you can substitute with kidney beans or black beans. 
12. Coconut Milk – adds a delicious island flavor, try it.
13. Water
14. Vegetable Broth 
15. Vegan Bouillon

To Make The Stew

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers cook and cook until onions are soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and spring onion and cook for 1 minute.
2. Add green onions, thyme, dried parsley, allspice, cayenne pepper, sweet potato, butter beans and stir to coat. 
3. Stir in coconut milk, vegetable broth, vegan bouillon and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes
4. Stir in leafy greens and cook for about 4 minutes. Season with salt to taste if needed.

Tip:

1. Add green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, or callaloo.

2. Saute a chopped vegan sausage and add to your stew when you add the leafy greens. 

3. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning for thyme.

4. Add 1 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning for more flavor.

5. Add 2 teaspoon Bragg’s Liquid Aminos to boost flavor.

6. This stew is great for meal prep, tastes better the following day.

How To Store Your Sweet Potato Stew?

Store your cool soup in a container with a tight-fitting lid for about 3 days in the refrigerator. Store in the freezer for 1 month. 

Other Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes To Prepare

1. Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
2. Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
3. Mashed White Sweet Potato
4. Roasted Sweet Potato Broccoli Salad
5. Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts And Sweet Potatoes
6. Sweet Potato Vegan Mac And Cheese
7. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

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