Goat Water (Jamaican Goat Stew)

Experience the bold and hearty flavors of Jamaican cuisine with Goat Water, a traditional goat stew that is rich, spicy, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for special gatherings or a comforting meal at home, Goat Water showcases tender goat meat simmered with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs goat meat, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 stalks scallions, chopped
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional for heat)
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups water or beef broth
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Goat Meat

   Rinse the goat meat and pat dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and allspice.

2. Brown the Meat

   Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the goat meat on all sides to seal in the juices, then remove from the pot and set aside.

3. Build the Stew Base

   In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and scallions until fragrant. Add the tomato puree, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes.

4. Simmer the Goat

   Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Add water or beef broth to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the meat is tender.

5. Add Vegetables

   Add carrots and potatoes to the stew. Continue to simmer for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and the stew thickens.

6. Finish and Serve

   Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving

Serve Goat Water hot with traditional Jamaican sides like white rice, dumplings, or fried plantains. Enjoy the comforting, spicy, and aromatic flavors that make this dish a true Caribbean classic.