Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew

Name: Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can coconut milk; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Inspiration

I absolutely love making this Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew! It’s a delightful combination of flavors that warms my soul. The sweetness of the potatoes perfectly complements the nuttiness of the chickpeas, while the spices add a vibrant kick. Every time I make this dish, I am reminded of the tropical comfort food that nurtures the spirit. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, I find it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights or when I'm entertaining friends.

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:52:36.824Z

When I first tasted Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew during a family gathering, I was blown away by the depth of flavors. The combination of spices creates an incredible aroma that fills the kitchen, making everyone eager for dinner. I learned that well-balanced spices are key; adjusting them to suit personal preference makes the dish versatile.

Over the years, I've experimented with different vegetables and spices, but I always return to the core ingredients that give this stew its unique character. I recommend using freshly grated ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings
Nutritious and packed with flavor, making it guilt-free
A vibrant medley of colors and spices that brighten any meal

      

The Role of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star of this stew, providing a natural sweetness and creamy texture. Their vibrant orange color not only enhances the dish visually but also indicates their rich beta-carotene content, which is great for eye health. When diced, they should ideally be cut into uniform pieces—about one-inch cubes—to ensure even cooking. When you start to see them soften, you know you're on the right track.

Choosing firm, blemish-free sweet potatoes will yield the best results. If you prefer a denser texture, you can opt for Japanese sweet potatoes, which are drier and nuttier. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly—Japanese sweet potatoes may require an extra few minutes to become tender.

Perfecting the Spice Blend

The spices in this recipe play a crucial role in melding the flavors together. Cumin and coriander add warmth, while turmeric adds not only color but also earthiness. To maximize the flavor impact, I suggest toasting the spices in the olive oil for about 30 seconds before adding the vegetables. This step can really enhance their aromatic qualities, making your stew deeply flavorful.

For those looking to experiment, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or a dash of cinnamon for warmth. Ras el hanout, a North African spice blend, can also make a delightful addition. Just remember to adjust the other seasonings based on your spice level preferences to maintain balance.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This Jamaican Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew stores wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep. After cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days, and you can freeze it for up to three months. When freezing, be sure to leave some space in the container, as the stew will expand as it freezes.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and then heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it appears too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. This stew also tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to deepen and meld.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can coconut milk
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices

Mix in the diced sweet potatoes, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom.

Combine with Liquids

Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.

Incorporate Chickpeas

Add the drained chickpeas to the stew, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. This stew can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy quinoa or brown rice, which will soak up the delightful sauce. For a more traditional approach, serve it with a slice of crusty bread to dip into the hearty mixture. You can also add a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stew.

For a complete meal, don’t hesitate to top the stew with avocado slices or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. Fresh lime juice squeezed on top can enhance the flavors even further, bringing a zesty brightness to every bite.

Flavor Variations

If you're looking to mix things up, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking process. They will wilt nicely while adding extra nutrients and color. Another delicious variation is to incorporate diced tomatoes for added acidity, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes.

For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, roasted nuts or seeds sprinkled on top just before serving can add a delightful texture. Try toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts for an inviting contrast that elevates not only the flavor but also the presentation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your stew ends up too thick, don't worry! You can easily correct this by adding a little more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If you find that it’s too spicy or seasoned, a little added coconut milk can help mellow the flavors while maintaining the stew's creamy texture.

Should your sweet potatoes seem undercooked after the prescribed cooking time, give them a few more minutes and check for tenderness. They should easily break apart with a fork. Avoid peeling them before cooking—steaming or boiling them can cause them to become waterlogged. Instead, the best method is simply simmering in the stew, where they absorb flavors as they cook.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables in this stew?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

→ Is this stew vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients.

→ Can I freeze the stew?

Yes, this stew freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it can last for up to three months.

→ How can I make this stew spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the stew to increase the heat.