Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty stew featuring tender sweet potatoes and black beans simmered in coconut milk with authentic jerk spices. This caribbean-inspired caribbean (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium Sweet potatoes, (15 oz) Black beans, Chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.3 (85 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp allspice, 1 finely chopped Scotch bonnet pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs diced sweet potatoes (from 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes), 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can (15 oz) rinsed black beans, and 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 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 medium sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 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 Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

Is Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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