Dominica Breadfruit and Coconut Stew
A hearty and comforting vegetarian stew featuring tender chunks of breadfruit simmered in a rich, creamy coconut milk broth with aromatic spices and local vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 medium Breadfruit(peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 400 ml Full-fat coconut milk
- 200 ml Vegetable broth
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1/2 small Scotch bonnet pepper(whole, pierced (optional, for flavor))
- 2 Thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp Curry powder
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 medium Carrot(diced)
- 1 medium Chocho (christophene)(diced)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the breadfruit: Peel, core, and cut the breadfruit into 1-inch chunks. You can parboil the breadfruit for about 10-15 minutes to speed up the cooking process in the stew, if desired.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chopped onion in a little oil (or a splash of vegetable broth for oil-free) over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the curry powder and turmeric powder, and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- 5
Add the breadfruit chunks, diced carrot, diced chocho, coconut milk, vegetable broth, thyme sprigs, and the pierced scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadfruit and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 7
Remove the thyme sprigs and the scotch bonnet pepper (if you don't want it to infuse further). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thin, you can mash some of the breadfruit against the side of the pot to thicken it.
- 8
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓If breadfruit is not available, you can substitute with green bananas or yams.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use homemade coconut milk.
- ✓Ensure the scotch bonnet pepper is pierced, not cut, to release its flavor without making the stew overly spicy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other local vegetables like pumpkin or sweet potato.
- For a non-vegetarian version, add chunks of chicken or fish during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.