Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

Name: Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 2 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Favorites

I absolutely love making Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew in my kitchen. This dish brings together vibrant flavors and a comforting warmth that is perfect for any occasion. The sweet potatoes provide a rich texture, while the chickpeas add a satisfying protein boost. I often prepare this stew on busy weeknights as it is simple yet incredibly flavorful, with spices that bring a touch of the Caribbean straight to my home. Trust me, once you try this dish, you'll be reaching for seconds!

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:05:34.348Z

Creating Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew was an adventure in flavor that I can’t wait to share with you. On my quest to find a healthy yet hearty dish, I stumbled upon this recipe that perfectly marries sweet and savory elements. By allowing the ingredients to simmer, I discovered that the spices truly meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

While preparing this stew, I learned that using fresh herbs, like thyme and scallions, elevates the dish even further. Their aromatic qualities opened up a new depth of flavor that made each spoonful delightful. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice or bread!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors
Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a healthy diet
One-pot meal makes for easy cleanup and fewer dishes

Understanding the Ingredients

The sweet potatoes in this stew are the star ingredient, offering not just sweetness but also creaminess when cooked properly. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. The cubed pieces should be uniform in size to ensure even cooking; about 1-inch cubes work well. If you’re looking for a quicker cooking time, consider using pre-cooked or frozen sweet potatoes.

Chickpeas add a hearty protein element to the stew, making it a filling meal on its own. Canned chickpeas save time and are a convenient option; however, dried chickpeas can be used if you soak them overnight and cook them until tender. Their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the spices and complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

When sautéing the onions, it's important to cook them until they are translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the base of your stew, enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you find your onions are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to avoid a burnt taste and ensure they cook evenly.

The simmering stage is crucial—allow the stew to bubble gently for about 30 minutes so the sweet potatoes absorb all those aromatic spices. I often check for tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork; it should slide in easily. If you find that the sweet potatoes are cooking too quickly, you can stir in more vegetable broth to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Stew

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme (for garnish)

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste!

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, sautéing until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, stirring well to coat the onions and release the spices' aromas.

Combine Main Ingredients

Add the chickpeas, sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer Stew

Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the stew simmer for 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Add Spinach

Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme before enjoying!

This stew tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce. Pair this stew with a side of rice or flatbread for a complete meal.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it's delicious on its own, you can pair it with fluffy rice or quinoa for added texture and to soak up the creamy coconut milk. For an extra touch, consider adding a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro right before serving to elevate the dish's freshness.

If you’re hosting a gathering, serving this stew as part of a larger spread can be a hit. Complement it with a side of cornbread or plantain chips for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. The vibrant colors of the stew will also make your table visually appealing!

Storage and Reheating Tips

After preparing your stew, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors tend to deepen and improve as it sits, making leftovers even better! If you wish to freeze the stew, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container, where it will last for up to 3 months.

When reheating, I recommend doing so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if the stew has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Using a pot ensures that the stew heats evenly, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully once more.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, frozen sweet potatoes can be used, just ensure they are cooked through during the simmering process.

→ Is this stew vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based, making it great for vegans and vegetarians.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you prefer, such as bell peppers, carrots, or pumpkin.