JAMAICAN CURRY CHICKEN & SWEET POTATO STEW

One of the things I enjoy the most about Jamaica...aside from the sun and sea and laid-back attitude...is the food. I love spicy food, and Jamaican spices...curry, smoked paprika, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, cloves, fenugreek, etc... are some of my favorites. This recipe for curry chicken & sweet potato stew is SO GOOD! I make my own Jamaican spice mix, but any combination of the above spices to your taste will work. But definitely use the curry...

JAMAICAN CURRY CHICKEN & SWEET POTATO STEW

SPICE MIXTURE

1/8 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

1 tsp. curry powder

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

dash of cayenne

STEW

3 TBLS. coconut oil

2 boneless/skinless chicken breasts or large thighs (I use thighs), cut into bite-size pieces

2 small or 1 large, sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces

1 yellow onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 inch ginger, peeled and minced

4 garlic cloves, chopped

1-2 cups chicken broth

1 14 ounce can dice tomatoes with juices

1/2 - 3/4 cup coconut milk, from a can (shake well)

1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup frozen green peas

1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

salt to taste (About 1/2 tsp)

chopped basil for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a small bowl, mix together juice and spices and set aside

In a Dutch oven or heavy pan, brown the chicken pieces, then take out and set aside

In the same pan, heat coconut oil and add onion and bell pepper and sauté over medium heat for about 4 minutes

Add ginger and garlic and cook for about 2 more minutes

Add spice mixture that was set aside, and stir well for 1 minute

Add dice tomato + juices and coconut milk and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes

Add broth, and 1/2 tsp. salt and simmer for 10 minutes

Add sweet potatoes, stirring occasionally and cook for about 15 minutes

Add chicken back into mixture, garbanzo beans, green peas, and corn, cover and cook for about 10 minutes more. If needed, add more salt

If needed add more broth

Serve as is, or over rice. Garnish with a little sliced basil

Enjoy!