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Vegan Jamaican Stew Peas with Coconut Milk and Spinners Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This vegan and gluten-free Jamaican Stew Peas recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with red kidney beans simmered with coconut milk, fresh vegetables, and traditional Jamaican seasonings. The stew features freshly made gluten-free flour dumplings called spinners, which add a comforting texture to the meal. Perfectly simmered with aromatic thyme, garlic, and optional scotch bonnet for heat, this dish offers an authentic taste of Caribbean cuisine while accommodating dietary preferences.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Jamaican
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients

Beans and Vegetables

  • 2 cups red kidney beans (354g)
  • 6 cups water (1.4 litres)
  • 1 medium carrot (chopped)
  • Half green bell pepper (chopped, optional)
  • Half yellow bell pepper (chopped, optional)
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 6 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 6 sprigs of thyme (tied in a bundle)
  • 1 scotch bonnet (optional)

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 1 can full fat coconut milk (or 2 cups / 14oz / 400ml)
  • ½ tsp ground pimento (allspice) (2.5g)
  • 1 tbsp all purpose seasoning (15g)
  • 2 tsp black pepper (10g)
  • Pink salt to taste

Spinners (Gluten-Free Dumplings)

  • 1 ¼ cups gluten free flour (170g)
  • ½ tsp pink salt (2.5g)
  • About ¾ cup warm water (may not use all)

Instructions

  1. Soak the Beans: Place the dried red kidney beans in a bowl and cover them with enough water. Let them soak overnight or for several hours to rehydrate the beans thoroughly before cooking.
  2. Rinse Beans: After soaking, discard the soaking water and rinse the beans under fresh water to remove impurities.
  3. Cook Beans with Aromatics: Add the soaked beans to a large saucepan along with 6 cups of fresh water, minced garlic, chopped onions, and the bundle of thyme sprigs.
  4. Simmer Beans: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Place the lid partially on and simmer for about one hour, or until the beans are soft enough to mash easily.
  5. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in chopped carrots, bell peppers, ground pimento, black pepper, all purpose seasoning, and pink salt. Mix well to combine the flavors.
  6. Add Spinners and Coconut Milk: Incorporate the gluten-free dumplings (spinners) into the stew and pour in the full-fat coconut milk.
  7. Simmer with Coconut Milk: Bring the stew back to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low to allow gentle cooking.
  8. Mash Beans to Thicken Stew: After the spinners have cooked for 10 minutes, remove about ½ cup of beans and mash them thoroughly or mash some beans directly in the pot with a spoon. Return the mashed beans into the stew to thicken it and help reduce simmering time.
  9. Add Scotch Bonnet and Simmer: Add the optional scotch bonnet pepper for heat, cover the pot partially, and let the stew simmer for about 30–45 minutes until it thickens to desired consistency.
  10. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the stew and add more pink salt or seasonings as needed to balance the flavors.
  11. Remove Aromatics: Before serving, remove the thyme stems and scotch bonnet to avoid overly strong flavors or accidental spicy bites.
  12. Prepare Spinners Dough: In a large bowl, combine gluten-free flour with pink salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing with your hand as you go, until a pliable dough ball forms.
  13. Form Spinners: Pinch a small amount of the dough and roll it in the palm of your hand to create small dumplings known as spinners, which are then added into the stew as it cooks.

Notes

  • Soaking the beans overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy stew; light coconut milk can be substituted for a lighter version.
  • Scotch bonnet adds authentic heat but can be omitted or replaced with milder chili if preferred.
  • The mashing step helps thicken the stew naturally without added thickeners.
  • These spinners are traditionally shaped by hand and add a delightful chewy texture to the stew.
  • If time-pressed, canned cooked kidney beans can be used but will alter the authenticity and texture slightly.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually to suit your preferred saltiness and spice level.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/vegan-jamaican-stew-peas-with-coconut-milk-and-spinners-recipe/