Haitian Beef Stew (or Goat, if you wish)

This is my version of Haitian Beef Stew, better known as “Bouyon Bef”. The original recipe was adapted from from Hatiancooking.com.  Bone in beef, like short ribs, or even goat meat, would be wonderful.  We are used boneless meat to cut down on the cooking time for this Zoom class recipe.

• 1 pound cubed beef

• 2 cloves

• ½ cup tomato paste

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 thyme sprig

• 2 carrots peeled and sliced

• 2 celery stalks cut into sticks

• 3 medium potatoes (cut into chunks)

• 2 green plantains, peel and cut into thirds

• 1 yucca, peeled and cut into chunks (you can buy frozen)

• 10 ounces of spinach (you can buy frozen)

Making the Epis (Haitian Green Seasoning)…

Throughout the islands we all have our “island blend” to season the pot, but the Haitian version is spicy!  Like green seasoning, you can use it to season all your meats, poultry and fish.  Once made, the spice can be kept in the fridge and used to season any dish.

• ½ cup parsley, chopped

• 10 sprigs thyme

•  4 whole cloves

• 10 cloves garlic

• ½ bell pepper or 7 seasoning peppers 

• 1 onion

• 1 stalk celery

• 1 bunch green onions

• 2 tablespoons basil

• 2 teaspoons salt 

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (to taste)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 limes, juiced or ⅓ cup of apple cider vinegar

• 1 maggie cube

Place everything in the blender and process until the mixture is almost liquid with some chunky bits (like a pesto texture).  

Pour into a large jar, and refrigerate or freeze in ice cubes.

Making the Haitian Beef Stew (Minus the Dumplings)...

Marinate meat with epis for 1 hour, or if you have time, overnight in the fridge.  (We’re obviously not doing anything overnight here).  

In a large pot, set on medium high, brown the marinade covered meat until all sides are nicely browned.  Next, add the tomato paste, cloves, bay leaves, parsley, and the thyme.  Mix everything until the meat is coated, and then add 3 cups of water.  Cook on medium heat for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Now, add all other ingredients: carrots, celery, plantains, yucca, spinach and 4-6 cups of water.  Season to taste: bring the pot to a boil and let it cook for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are cooked. 

While the stew is simmering, prepare the dumplings…

Making the Dumplings…

• 2 Cups of Flour (White or Whole Wheat)

• 1 Tablespoon oil 

• 1 Teaspoon salt

• 1 Teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 Teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• ½ Cup of Water

Put flour in a small bowl and season to taste, add the oil and slowly add the water.  Mix until a dough-like consistency is formed.  Take pieces of dough and roll in hand, shape it long  and thin ways and set aside.

Once the potatoes are soft add the dumplings and simmer the stew uncovered for 20 minutes.

Serve hot with rice or fungi.

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Build a Menu with this Recipe and Others

We used this recipe back in May of 2025 in a Haitian themed Zoom Cooking Class, along with these other rockin recipes below. Check they out and enjoy!

• Brie and Mango Chutney in a Puff Pastry

• Rice and Peas (aka "Red Beans and Rice")

• Oven Roasted Sweet Plantains

• Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cheese Cakes

  
  

For those of you looking for a full meal, here's the recipe booklet from our Zoom class so that you can cook up your own feast!

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Tell Us What You Think!

If this recipe makes your mouth water, why don’t you come for cooking classes in Antigua or contact us for our Zoom classes. Come for one class, or a series of classes, and you can even stay in our BnB.

Please let me know how you like this Green Plantain Chips via our Contact Us page, our Facebook Page, or Instagram.