A traditional Jamaican dish — Stew Peas is a soulful pot of red kidney beans simmered for hours with salted pig’s tail, coconut milk and thyme until the liquid turns into a rich, glossy gravy. Spinners, small rolled dumplings, bob in the pot and soak up every drop. It is the definitive one-pot Jamaican comfort food, often served over white rice.
Stew Peas
A traditional Jamaican dish — Stew Peas is a soulful pot of red kidney beans simmered for hours with salted pig’s tail, coconut milk and thyme until the liquid turns into a rich, glossy gravy.

Step by stepInstructions
- Put the soaked beans and pig's tail in a large pot with the water, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1½ hours, until the beans are tender.
- Stir in the coconut milk, onion, scallions, garlic, thyme, pimento berries, salt and the whole scotch bonnet.
- Mix the flour with the cold water into a firm dough, then roll small pieces between your palms into spinners.
- Drop the spinners into the pot and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until the gravy is thick and the spinners are cooked.
- Remove the scotch bonnet and thyme stalks, taste for salt, and serve over white rice.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Do not rush the beans — the long simmer builds the gravy's body and draws out the pig's tail flavor. Some cooks add a sliced carrot or green banana for extra heartiness.

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