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Jamaican Stew Peas

Jamaican Stew Peas

Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe is a delicious and perfect comfort food, that is made with red kidney beans, coconut milk, herbs & spices and spinners.

This Stew Peas Recipe can be made with meat or just vegetables with the beans.

In spite of the name Jamaican Stew Peas, it doesn’t have any peas in it, but red kidney beans.

Jamaicans don’t say the word beans, unless we are referring to baked beans, broad beans or butter beans.

Everything else is peas to us.

Jamaican Stew Peas.
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Originally, the beans (peas) are cooked from scratch, which takes some time or you can use canned beans to spend less time in the kitchen.

Altogether, I love stew peas, not because I am a Jamaican, but because beans add that hearty and fullness to a meal.

Yes, give me a good bean soup, which is kind of similar to stew peas and I will love you forever.

However, I hope you give this Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe a try and enjoy it just as much as I do.

Dinner is ready, Jamaican Stew Peas.

What kind of meat to use?

In regards to the meat that’s use to make Jamaican Stew Peas, pigs tail is the first choice.

However, besides pigs tail, I have used corned pork, beef, chicken foot, and turkey neck.

You can even use chicken or turkey wings.

I have also seen oxtail used to make stew peas too.

If you are a vegetarian/vegan, you can try this recipe without the meat, or just by adding veggie chunks or tofu.

Also, you can add some diced carrots and potatoes along with the Spinners, to make it more filling.

What are Spinners?

Left Photo: Flour and salt
Right Photo: Dough to make the spinners with.

The Spinners (Dumplings) are one of the key ingredients in the Jamaican Stew Peas.

It helps to thicken the dish as it simmers.

Without the spinners, it wouldn’t be Jamaican Stew Peas.

Pimento Seeds

Left Photo: Pimento Seeds
Right Photo: Crushed Pimento Seeds

Pimento seeds are a type of spice that can be found in Jamaica and in any other warm country.

It is also known as Allspice and it looks like black pepper berries.

It is used mostly on Pork, Chicken or Fish dishes and also in soups and stews.

They are picked when they are green and then dry in the sun on a piece of zinc sheet or a piece of cloth for a week or two.

I remember my uncle would spread out his pimento seeds to dry each day.

He would take them up as soon as the sun goes away in the evening or if the rain looks like it was going to fall.

After the pimento seeds are dried, he would bring them to the local market to be sold.

How to make Jamaican Stew Peas

Firstly, if you are using Corn Pork/Pigs Tail, boil the meat for some time in a separate pot, to get rid of all the salt. Then cook the red kidney beans (peas) in a separate pot. The Pig’s tail I used wasn’t the salty type, so I seasoned mine.

Left Photo: Seasoned Pig's Tail
Right Photo: Chopped herbs and vegetables.

Secondly, I add some more water to the cooked Pig’s tail and peas and then add the coconut milk, scallion, thyme, bell pepper and onions.

Thirdly, allow the mixture to come to a boil, then add the spinners.

Pig's Tail and Beans after cooking for 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is a small amount of water at the bottom of the pot.
Top Left Photo: Adding the can of coconut milk, after adding the 2 cups of water.
Top Right Photo: Adding the bell pepper, onions and thyme.
Bottom Left Photo: Spinners to be added to the pot.
Bottom Right Photo: Adding red pepper flakes and black pepper to pot.

Finally, allow to simmer on low and then add a stalk of scallion. Let it to thicken to your desire. Adjust if needed with salt and black pepper and then you are ready to enjoy this delicious comfort food.

One stalk of scallion adding to the pot.

My Amazon Selections:

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Red Kidney Beans, 16 Ounce

Jamaican Choice Allspice Whole Pimento Seasoning | 4.5 Oz

Happy Belly All Spice Ground, 2.5 ounce

Grace Classic Coconut Milk 13.5Fl Oz – Unsweetened Coconut Milk Canned

Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe

Ingredients

For the Jamaican Stew Peas:

  • 1 to 2 lb pigs tail or stew beef, seasoned (if you choose to)
  • 2 cups of dry red kidney beans
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 stalks of scallion (green onions), chopped
  • 2 sprigs of thyme, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 10 pimento seeds, crushed or 1 tsp of allspice
  • 8 cups of water
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Spinners (Recipe below)

For the Spinners (Dumplings)

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • Just about 1/3 cup of water

Instructions

To make Spinners (Dumplings)

  1. In a small bowl, add the flour and salt and whisk it. Add the water a little at a time and knead to form a smooth dough. Cover and Set aside for later to add to the Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe.

To make Jamaican Stew Peas

  1. Rinse the beans with some water and drain. Put the beans in a large pot/skillet with the garlic, pimento berries or allspice, pig’s tail and 6 cups of water. Let it cook until both beans and meat are tender, just about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  2. Add the onion, 2 stalks of scallion, thyme, bell pepper, 2 cups of water, can of milk and bring it to a boil.
  3. Break apart the dough into small pieces and roll between your palms, to make spinner (dumplings) and add to the pot. Add the scotch bonnet pepper or red pepper flakes and black pepper. Continue to stir the mixture, so the spinners won’t stick to the bottom of the pot as it cooks.
  4. Allow to simmer on medium-low for about 40 minutes or until it thickens to your desire. Stir to make sure nothing is sticking at the bottom but be careful not to burst the scotch bonnet pepper.
  5. After about 30 minutes of cooking on medium-low, add the remaining 1 stalk of scallion (chopped) and stir. Turn the heat on semi-low.
  6. Taste and see if it’s to your desire. If it is not to your desire, add some salt. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and thyme from the pot before serving. Best served with some white rice. Enjoy.

Notes:

  1. Not everyone use coconut milk in their Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe. I used it because of the flavor it gives and it helps to thicken the sauce. Others mix a small amount of flour with water and add to the liquid to thicken the sauce.
  2. Avoid bursting the scotch bonnet pepper while stirring.
  3. Please remove the thyme and scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

If you are looking for a healthier version, her is the Vegan Version to it.

Jamaican Stew Peas served with white rice on a white plate.

Please let me know what you think about this recipe, Jamaican Stew Peas, in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by and please come back again.

Blessings and Love, as you carry on, on your YouNique Journey!

A pot of Jamaican Stew Peas

Jamaican Stew Peas

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Jamaican Stew Peas is a delicious and perfect comfort food, that is made with red kidney beans, coconut milk, herbs & spices and spinners.

Ingredients

For Jamaican Stew Peas

  • 1 to 2 lb pigs tail or stew beef, seasoned (if you choose to)
  • 2 cups of dry red kidney beans
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 stalks of scallion (green onions), chopped
  • 2 sprigs of thyme, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 10 pimento seeds, crushed or 1 tsp of allspice
  • 8 cups of water
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper or 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Spinners (Recipe below)

For Spinners (Dumplings)

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • Just about 1/3 cup of water

Instructions

How to make Spinners (Dumpling)

  1. In a small bowl, add the flour and salt and whisk it. Add the water a little at a time and knead to form a smooth dough. Cover and Set aside for later to add to the Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe.

How to make Jamaican Stew Peas

  1. Rinse the beans with some water and drain. Put the beans in a large pot/skillet with the garlic, pimento berries or allspice, pig's tail and 6 cups of water. Let it cook until both beans and meat are tender, just about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  2. Add the onion, 2 stalks of scallion, thyme, bell pepper, 2 cups of water, can of milk and bring it to a boil.
  3. Break apart the dough into small pieces and roll between your palms, to make spinner (dumplings) and add to the pot. Add the scotch bonnet pepper or red pepper flakes and black pepper. Continue to stir the mixture, so the spinners won't stick to the bottom of the pot as it cooks.
  4. Allow to simmer on medium-low for about 40 minutes or until it thickens to your desire. Stir to make sure nothing is sticking at the bottom but be careful not to burst the scotch bonnet pepper.
  5. After about 30 minutes of cooking on medium-low, add the remaining 1 stalk of scallion (chopped) and stir. Turn the heat on semi-low.
  6. Taste and see if it's to your desire. If it is not to your desire, add some salt. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper and thyme from the pot before serving. Best served with some white rice. Enjoy.

Notes

  1. Not everyone use coconut milk in their Jamaican Stew Peas Recipe. I used it because of the flavor it gives and it helps to thicken the sauce. Others mix a small amount of flour with water and add to the liquid to thicken the sauce.
  2. Avoid bursting the scotch bonnet pepper while stirring.
  3. Please remove the scotch bonnet pepper and thyme before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 521Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 241mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 41g

The nutritional information that is provided, is computer generated and therefore it is an estimate. Please do your own research with the ingredients that are listed here, if you have any concern about any specific diet or your health.

Natasha Holiday

Monday 20th of March 2023

Used can beans don't like spinners but I made a few it came out delicious. Used split pig feet thanks for the recipe.

Yanique Vincent

Saturday 15th of April 2023

Hi Natasha, you are most welcome and I am glad you made it your own. Awesome.

E

Monday 16th of January 2023

Hi thank you! I wonder if the recipe should read “4 teaspoons” of red pepper flake instead of “1/4 teaspoon?” One scotch bonnet pepper is definitely hotter (which is good) than a teeny tiny 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flake. 🙃 Thank you!

Yanique Vincent

Saturday 21st of January 2023

Hi E, it is 1/4 teaspoon because not a lot of people like spice so I started it at 1/4 teaspoon for safety. Yes 1 scotch bonnet pepper is hot :) so I suggest to add it whole on the top of it. However, if you want it to be much spicy then go ahead and add more red pepper flakes or add pieces of the scotch bonnet pepper. Thanks for giving it a try.

Danielle

Sunday 20th of November 2022

I made this today using oxtail, and only made a few changes. Firstly, I used 2 cans of red peas and added it 1 hour after I started cooking the meat as you instructed - I didn't want to add it too late because I still wanted the pinkish colour of stew peas. I also simmered it for an extra 1 hour to make sure the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender. It's still simmering for another 30 minutes before we eat it (me, hubby and son). I've been 'tasting' it for the last 30 minutes and can't wait!!! Thank you so much for this recipe.

Yanique Vincent

Monday 21st of November 2022

Hi Danielle, WOW...that sounds delicious....my mouth is watering. Oxtail is so expensive here but I want to try it one day. Thank you for making it your way. Love it. Thanks again...enjoy.

Robert

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Can I order salted pig tails on line, I can’t fin them here!

Yanique Vincent

Monday 27th of June 2022

Hi Robert, I am not sure if it is sold online....sorry about that. I always purchase it from a West Indian or Haitian store in in Florida. I hope you find it.

Dee P

Sunday 15th of May 2022

This recipe is HITTIN’ So good I did it in the instant pot and finished it with coconut milk and spinners!! Vegan style, reminds me of plates from Bickles in Queens

Yanique Vincent

Sunday 15th of May 2022

Hi Dee, I am so glad it was good....enjoy. Thanks for giving it a try.

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