Antiguan Pepperpot
A hearty and flavorful stew, Antiguan Pepperpot is a rich, slow-cooked dish often made with a variety of meats and vegetables, seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. It's a staple comfort food, perfect for family gatherings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 500 g Pork shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced, adjust to taste)
- 400 g Tomatoes(diced)
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 4 sprigs Thyme
- 2 leaves Bay leaves
- 1 tsp Allspice berries
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Sweet potato(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 200 g Okra(trimmed and halved)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season beef and pork with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the meats in batches, then set aside.
- 2
Add onions to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Return the meats to the pot. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, allspice berries, and cinnamon stick. Add the whole scotch bonnet pepper.
- 4
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the meats are tender. Stir occasionally.
- 5
Add sweet potato and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- 6
Add okra during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 7
Serve hot, typically with rice or provisions (boiled root vegetables).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the meats overnight.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper based on your spice preference. Be cautious, as it is very hot.
- ✓If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yams or dasheen.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth, adding more hearty vegetables like pumpkin and plantains.