Jerk-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

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

Hearty stew featuring tender sweet potatoes and black beans simmered in coconut milk with authentic jerk spices. This 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Caribbean cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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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