Jamaican Mannish Water
A hearty and restorative goat soup, considered a delicacy and often prepared for special occasions. It's known for its rich flavor and supposed aphrodisiac qualities.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Goat meat(cut into 1-inch pieces, with bones)
- 3 liters Water
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 4 stalks Scallions(chopped)
- 4 sprigs Thyme sprigs
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Pimento berries (allspice)(crushed)
- 2 medium Carrots(chopped)
- 2 medium Irish potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 small piece Yam(peeled and cubed)
- 2 medium Green bananas(peeled and cut into chunks)
- 2 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp White rum (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the goat meat thoroughly. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the goat meat with water, chopped onion, minced garlic, scallions, thyme, crushed pimento berries, salt, and black pepper. Add the whole scotch bonnet pepper.
- 2
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the goat meat is tender. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour.
- 3
Add the chopped carrots, cubed Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, and green bananas to the pot. Stir well.
- 4
Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-45 minutes, or until the root vegetables and green bananas are tender. The soup should thicken slightly.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If using, stir in the white rum in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 6
Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper before serving, unless you prefer a very spicy soup. Serve hot, ensuring each bowl has a good mix of meat and vegetables.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can brown the goat meat in a little oil before adding the water and other aromatics.
- ✓The longer the soup simmers, the more tender the meat and the deeper the flavor.
- ✓Mannish Water is often served with boiled dumplings or bread.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include cow foot for added richness and gelatinous texture.
- A small amount of butter beans or lima beans can be added with the root vegetables.