Bahamian Spiced Beef Stew

Ingredients

In the original Irish Spiced Beef, the beef is typically cured with a blend of spices and then boiled. However, in the Bahamian adaptation, the beef is marinated with Caribbean spices and slow-cooked to achieve a tender texture. The addition of Scotch bonnet peppers and the use of Bahamian spices give the dish a distinct Caribbean flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Spiced Beef, so you can check it out.

• 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed 2 pounds (900g) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups (470ml) beef broth 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste 2 tablespoons (30ml) tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon (5g) allspice 1 teaspoon (5g) allspice
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme 1 teaspoon (5g) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat) 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (for flavor, remove before serving) 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (for flavor, remove before serving)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the beef stew meat to the pot and brown on all sides. This will enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaves, allspice, paprika, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.
4. 4.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spice mixture.
5. 5.
   Place the whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top of the stew. This will infuse the stew with a subtle heat. Remember to remove the pepper before serving.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and Scotch bonnet pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Bahamian Spiced Beef Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy with rice or your favorite Bahamian side dishes.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef suitable for slow cooking, such as chuck or round roast. Trim any excess fat before cubing the meat.
• Scotch bonnet pepper — Handle with caution as it is very spicy. If you prefer a milder heat, you can deseed the pepper before adding it to the stew.
• Allspice — If you don't have allspice, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the beef overnight in the spice mixture before cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the stew during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Serve the stew with traditional Bahamian sides such as peas and rice, plantains, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference.

Serving advice

Serve the Bahamian Spiced Beef Stew hot in deep bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Accompany the stew with fluffy white rice or traditional Bahamian sides for a satisfying and authentic experience.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place a whole Scotch bonnet pepper on top of the stew before serving. This adds a vibrant touch and indicates the spiciness of the dish. Serve the stew in colorful ceramic bowls to showcase the rich colors of the beef and vegetables.