Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew

Name: Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 can coconut milk; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Fusion Ideas

When I first tried Jamaican Sweet Potato Chickpea Stew, I was blown away by its vibrant flavors and fragrant spices. This dish quickly became a staple in my kitchen because it's not only delicious but also a nourishing option for those busy weeknights. The creamy sweetness of the sweet potatoes combined with hearty chickpeas makes for a satisfying meal. Plus, it comes together in under 40 minutes! I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you.

Created by

Frederica Houghton

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:18:37.642Z

One of the things I love about this stew is how easy it is to customize. The original recipe just called for a few basic ingredients, but adding some fresh herbs and spices really took it to another level. I experimented with different variations, using coconut milk for a creamier texture or tossing in some kale for extra nutrients. Each time, it turned out delicious!

Cooking this dish on a cozy evening makes the whole house smell amazing. I usually serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa, which helps soak up all that flavorful broth. The best part? It's even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A unique twist on traditional stew packed with flavor
Hearty and filling, perfect for any time of the year
Simple ingredients make it accessible and easy to prepare

      

The Role of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star of this stew, bringing a natural sweetness and creamy texture that balances the spices beautifully. Their unique flavor profile, enhanced by the tropical notes of coconut milk, creates a comforting base for the dish. When cubing, ensure the pieces are uniform—about 1-inch cubes—so they cook evenly and meld well with the other ingredients.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes instead of simply boiling them. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes in a little olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika, then roast at 400°F (200°C) until they start to caramelize, around 25 minutes. This method enhances their sweetness and adds depth to the stew.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the great things about this stew is its adaptability. If you're looking for a higher protein content, tempeh or tofu can be great substitutes for chickpeas. Just be sure to cube the tempeh and marinate it in a bit of soy sauce to infuse it with flavor before adding it to the pot. Alternatively, to make it heartier, you might add a handful of spinach or kale in the last five minutes of cooking.

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, feel free to add a chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions, garlic, and ginger. This will infuse the entire stew with warmth. Just remember, start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference, as you can always add more!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This stew stores incredibly well, which makes it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it's too thick.

For serving, this stew is delightful over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice, which absorbs the creamy broth beautifully. You can also serve it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of lime juice for a fresh twist. To make it a complete meal, pair it with some crusty bread or a simple side salad.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 can coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Base

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Sweet Potatoes and Spices

Stir in the cubed sweet potatoes, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the spices bloom.

Pour in Liquids

Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve warm over rice or quinoa.

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice just before serving. You can also use any seasonal veggies you have on hand to enhance the stew.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coconut milk on hand, you can substitute it with almond milk or soy milk, but keep in mind that they won't have the same richness. To maintain the creamy texture, consider adding a tablespoon of peanut butter or cashew cream to the stew towards the end of cooking. This will still deliver a comforting mouthfeel but with a different flavor twist.

Chickpeas can be swapped with other legumes like black beans or kidney beans. If you use dried beans, be sure to cook them beforehand and add them in at the same stage as the chickpeas. This will ensure they have had enough time to soften up, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Additional Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor profile even further, a tablespoon of lime or lemon juice stirred in just before serving can brighten the entire stew. Fresh citrus helps to balance the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the creaminess of the coconut milk. Also, don’t shy away from adding a splash of soy sauce or tamari during cooking for an umami boost.

Herbs can also play a vital role in flavor enhancement. Fresh thyme or basil can be added along with the sweet potatoes; these herbs can deepen the overall taste and create a wonderful aroma while the stew simmers away.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of beans instead of chickpeas?

Yes, kidney beans or black beans are great alternatives.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili powder or diced jalapeños to the base ingredients for extra heat.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, it freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container.