Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your senses and bring the vibrant streets of Jamaica right into your kitchen! Jamaican Curry Goat is not just a meal; it's a rich, aromatic experience that combines bold spices, tender meat, and generations of Caribbean cooking tradition. Whether you're a adventurous foodie or someone looking to expand your cooking repertoire, this recipe promises to deliver an explosion of flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds goat meat, cubed
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the goat meat and patting it dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the goat meat with curry powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the meat marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb the spices.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the marinated goat meat in batches, creating a deep golden crust on each piece. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Return the browned goat meat to the pot. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in water, ensuring the meat is mostly covered.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer slowly for approximately
- 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Check the meat's tenderness periodically. The goat should become extremely soft and almost falling apart when fully cooked.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add small amounts of water. If too thin, uncover and allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or curry powder as needed.
- Serve hot over rice, garnished with fresh thyme or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Meat Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality goat meat with some marbling for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marination process. Letting the meat sit with curry powder for 15-20 minutes allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Browning is Key: Take time to brown the meat in batches. This step creates a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to the overall dish.
- Low and Slow: Patient cooking is crucial. The low, slow simmer breaks down the meat's connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Spice Control: Adjust curry powder to your heat preference. Jamaican curry can be quite spicy, so start conservatively and add more if needed.
- Liquid Management: Monitor the liquid levels during cooking. Add water sparingly to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Resting Time: Allow the curry goat to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let the flavors fully meld together.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with traditional rice and peas or plain white rice to soak up the delicious curry sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 416kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
