Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Stew

Name: Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 medium carrots, sliced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp curry powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups vegetable broth

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Stew on a cozy evening. The combination of flavors from spices, coconut milk, and chickpeas creates a wonderfully comforting dish. As the stew simmers, the aroma fills my kitchen, transporting me to the Caribbean. I can't get enough of how the ingredients meld together; it’s an easy recipe that packs a punch! Serve it over rice or with warm bread, and you're in for a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Created by

Maya Richardson

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:22:12.142Z

During my culinary adventures, I discovered Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Stew, which quickly became one of my favorites. Each time I prepare it, I appreciate the sweet and savory notes from the coconut and spices. The key to a great stew is letting it simmer long enough for the flavors to intensify, which is where the magic happens!

Once, I decided to make it for a gathering, and everyone was raving about it. My tip? Don’t skip the fresh cilantro at the end; it adds a burst of freshness that brightens the dish. Trust me, this stew will make you feel right at home!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy and rich coconut milk balances the spices beautifully
Hearty chickpeas make this stew filling and nutritious
Quick to prepare, allowing for a delicious meal any night of the week

      

Flavors That Sing

The harmonious blend of spices in this Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Stew creates a rich tapestry of flavors. Cumin imparts warmth and depth, while curry powder brings a slightly earthy undertone that is quintessential in Caribbean cooking. The sweetness from the coconut milk rounds out the flavors, balancing the spices perfectly and creating a luxurious and creamy texture. This stew is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together to transport you to the sunny shores of Jamaica.

When you simmer the stew, the scents of garlic and onion give way to the more aromatic elements of curry and paprika, creating an inviting aroma in your kitchen. This is an essential step, as it allows the spices to release their essential oils and deepen their flavors. Remember to stir occasionally, and watch for the stew to take on a glossy, vibrant appearance as the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

Chickpeas are the star of this dish not only for their heartiness but also for their nutritional value. A great source of plant-based protein and fiber, they help keep you fuller for longer. If you're looking to make the stew even more nutritious, consider adding in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. This can enhance the dish without overshadowing the primary flavors.

Using full-fat coconut milk is vital for achieving that creamy texture that defines this stew. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you might try canned light coconut milk, but be aware that this can reduce creaminess. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different vegetable broths; a homemade broth enriched with herbs can elevate the flavor profile even further, making the dish uniquely yours.

Serving and Storing

This stew is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While serving it over rice is traditional, you could also use quinoa or couscous for a different texture and flavor. Don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving; the acidity will brighten the flavors and add a fresh note that complements the richness of the coconut milk.

If you have leftovers, this stew stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a perfect meal-prepping option. To reheat, place it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it thickens too much. You can also freeze the stew in portioned containers for up to three months; just be aware that the texture of the chickpeas might change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful stew:

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable broth

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering stew:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the Spices and Vegetables

Stir in the bell pepper, carrots, cumin, curry powder, and paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Combine Chickpeas and Coconut Milk

Add the rinsed chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Simmer the Stew

Let the stew simmer for about 25 minutes while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish and Serve

Once thickened, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm over rice or with bread.

Enjoy your delicious Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Stew!

Pro Tips

For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. This stew also tastes great the next day, so consider making a larger batch for leftovers.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find your stew is too thick after simmering, simply add more vegetable broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too watery, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, which will help condense the flavors and thicken the stew. Just ensure you stir it occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Another common issue is uneven cooking of the vegetables. Make sure to cut your vegetables into uniform sizes, ideally small enough to cook through within the same time frame. This will ensure all ingredients soften nicely and yield the best texture, with the bell peppers still retaining a touch of crunch alongside the tender chickpeas.

Variations to Consider

Feel free to customize this stew to suit your taste preferences! For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the spices. You can also include other vegetables like sweet potatoes or zucchini to give the dish more body and varied textures.

For those who enjoy a seafood twist, adding shrimp or fish during the last few minutes of cooking can introduce a delightful flavor that complements the coconut base. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that the seafood is cooked through but remains tender.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Dried chickpeas usually take longer to cook.

→ Is this stew vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used are plant-based, making it a perfect vegan dish.

→ What can I substitute for coconut milk?

You can use any plant-based milk like almond or soy milk, but be aware that it won't have the same creaminess or coconut flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.