Easy Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew (Soup)

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with our Sweet Potato Stew recipe. Made with creamy coconut milk, sweet potatoes, cabbage, red onion, cilantro, bell pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes, this hearty stew is a delicious and nutritious meal that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite.

Caribbean Style Sweet Potato Stew

If you’re yearning for a taste of the Caribbean that brings warmth and a burst of flavors to your table, this Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew is the perfect dish. Combining the creamy richness of coconut milk with the hearty goodness of sweet potatoes, the crispness of cabbage, and the aromatic freshness of herbs and spices, this stew is a vibrant, comforting meal that’s sure to delight your senses.

My inspiration for this recipe was a 14-day Caribbean island-hopping holiday I took many years ago. I found this old, wonderful man who was selling a stew like this from a food truck. It was his family recipe, and after tasting it, I asked for the ingredients. The flavors in this stew were incredible. 

So, if you are looking for a new favorite recipe, this could be it! It’s super flavourful, creamy, and the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. This Caribbean-style sweet potato stew was one of the biggest hits in my restaurant in Sedona. Everybody loved it, and my friends still ask me to make it for potlucks.  

I incorporated many of my favorite veggies, such as sweet potato, cabbage, and cilantro, into the recipe. Of course, I couldn’t skip the wonderful flavor of coconut because it makes everything better—which I can’t live without! I did not add any beans because I like it as it is, but you are welcome to add some if you want some protein. You can also add some scotch bonnet pepper to make it more spicy!

I also made this recipe lighter so you can enjoy it during the summer. Most Caribbean food is meat-based (and sometimes quite unusual meats), which surprisingly can make it quite heavy.

This recipe makes quite a bit, but who doesn’t love leftovers? You can always freeze it, and this stew freezes very well. You can also cook it for a family gathering or potluck– leave it bubbling away and serve it up whenever everybody’s ready. (The stew is very low-maintenance!).

Why You Should Make Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew with Coconut Milk

Bursting with Flavor

This Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew is a symphony of vibrant flavors. The sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness, the coconut milk’s creamy richness, and the aromatic freshness of cilantro and thyme blend harmoniously with the gentle heat from red pepper flakes. Each spoonful offers a delightful taste experience that is both comforting and exciting.

Nutritionally Rich

This stew is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Cabbage is rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, while coconut milk provides healthy fats necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. It’s a wholesome meal that supports overall health and well-being.

Versatile and Customizable

The recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences. You can easily add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach or incorporate proteins such as chickpeas, black beans, chicken, or shrimp. This flexibility makes it suitable for various dietary needs and tastes.

Easy to Prepare

Despite its complex flavors, this stew is straightforward and easy to prepare. With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a hearty, home-cooked meal ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Comforting and Satisfying

There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, hearty stew. This Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew is no exception. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort, making it perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a culinary hug.

A Taste of the Caribbean

If you’re longing for a taste of the Caribbean, this stew brings the islands’ flavors to your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to experience and share a piece of Caribbean culture through food, making any meal feel like a mini-vacation.

Ingredients For Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew

• Sweet potatoes
• Small head of cabbage
• Red onion
• Red bell pepper
• Full-fat Coconut milk
• Vegetable broth
• Garlic
• Fresh thyme 
• Red pepper flakes 
• Cilantro,
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions For the Sweet potato Stew

1. Preparation: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Dice the sweet potatoes, slice the cabbage, finely slice the red onion, and slice the red bell pepper. Mince the garlic and chop the cilantro.
2. Sautéing the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, and sauté until lightly brown.
3. Adding Vegetables: Add the diced sweet potatoes and bell pepper to the pot. 
4. Incorporating Coconut Milk and Spices: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Cook for 15 minutes, then add onion, sliced cabbage, fresh thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmering: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables cook evenly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Finishing Touch: When the sweet potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency, stir in the chopped cilantro. Splash with some lime juice to balance the flavor. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Serving: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This hearty stew pairs wonderfully with a bowl of fluffy rice.

Flavor Profile and Variations

This stew is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that complements the creamy coconut milk. At the same time, the red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to suit your taste. The cabbage adds a delightful crunch, and the fresh cilantro and thyme bring an aromatic freshness that elevates the dish.

You can add other vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach, for a variation. For added protein, consider incorporating chickpeas or black beans. If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, cooked chicken or shrimp can be excellent additions.

Storage Tips

Store the stew in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water.

You can freeze the stew for longer storage. 

This Caribbean Sweet Potato Caribbean Stew with Coconut Milk celebrates vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Whether you want to warm up on a chilly day or simply crave a nutritious and satisfying meal, this stew will surely become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, and it will improve your Caribbean cooking. So gather your ingredients, immerse yourself in the process, and savor the delightful taste of the Caribbean in every spoonful. Enjoy!

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