Antiguan Goat Water
A rich and hearty goat stew, considered a national dish of Antigua and Barbuda. It's a flavorful and comforting soup made with tender goat meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Goat meat(cut into 1-inch cubes, bone-in preferred)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 4 sprigs Thyme
- 2 stalks Scallions(chopped)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced, optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 6 cups Water or broth
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(for thickening)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the goat meat generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the goat meat on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, thyme sprigs, chopped scallions, and the whole scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Pour in water or broth to cover the ingredients.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the goat meat is very tender.
- 6
In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little cold water to form a smooth paste. Stir this paste into the simmering goat water to thicken the stew. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- 7
Remove the thyme sprigs and scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using bone-in goat meat adds more flavor to the stew.
- ✓Simmering for a longer period ensures the goat meat becomes tender.
- ✓For a spicier version, mince the scotch bonnet pepper and add it with the garlic.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yams or dasheen.
- For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water.