Jamaican Curry Goat

 

Jamaican Curry Goat

Curry goat is a quintessential Jamaican dish, usually slow-cooked to tender perfection with aromatic spices, herbs, and a delicious curry flavor. It's traditionally served with rice and peas.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs goat meat (bone-in preferred)
• 2 tbsp curry powder (preferably Jamaican-style)
• 1 tbsp allspice (pimento)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 2 scallions, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (or habaneros), finely chopped
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups water or beef broth (for slow cooking)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Goat:

   • Clean the goat meat and cut it into cubes or pieces, removing any excess fat.
   • In a bowl, season the meat with 1 tablespoon of curry powder, 1 tablespoon of allspice, thyme, chopped scallions, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to marinate.

2. Brown the Meat:

   • Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Once hot, add the goat meat and brown it on all sides (about 10 minutes). This process enhances the flavor and creates a rich, brown crust.

3. Slow Cook the Goat:

   • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of curry powder to the browned meat and stir to coat.
   • Pour in 4 cups of water or beef broth, enough to cover the meat. Stir well and bring to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent burning.

4. Add Vegetables:

   • Once the meat is tender, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 30-45 minutes until the potatoes are soft and the gravy has thickened.

5. Final Seasoning:

   • Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or soy sauce to taste.
   • If you like it extra spicy, you can add more chopped scotch bonnet pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Serve your Jamaican curry goat hot, with rice and peas, fried plantains, or white rice on the side. Enjoy!