Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty vegan stew with tender sweet potatoes and black beans simmered in a spicy Caribbean jerk seasoning-infused tomato broth. This caribbean-inspired vegan ready in about 50 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, black beans, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 2 tbsp jerk seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 1 large chopped carrot, and 1 medium chopped red bell pepper. Stir to coat with spices and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices and 3 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Step 6: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish each with 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caribbean Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew?

Caribbean vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes