JAMAICAN CURRIED BEEF & SPINNERS (Dumplings)

My version of Jamaican Curried Beef & Spinners brings back some of my favorite childhood memories! 🌿🥘 My childhood pastor was Jamaican as are some of our best friends.  Always hearty  and packed with deep flavour, many Jamaican dishes have become family favourites. This dish is often requested by my family and has tender beef, hearty veggies, and dense, chewy spinners that soak up all the delicious curry gravy…pure comfort in every bite.

Serves 6 (or 8 if served with rice)

INGREDIENTS

For the Curry Beef:

• 1/4 cup Jamaican-style curry powder

• 3 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 tsp sea or kosher salt, divided

• 1 tsp coarse or freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil

• 2 medium onions, chopped

• 2 tsp minced ginger

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups beef broth

• 2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 habanero pepper (optional)

• 5 yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold), cut into large pieces

• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 3 stalks celery, chopped

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Jamaican Spinners (Dumplings):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)

DIRECTIONS

1. Season & Brown Beef: Season beef chunks with 1 tsp salt and black pepper. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches on all sides, then transfer to a plate and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot along with remaining 1 tsp salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Bloom Curry & Add Flavorings: Add curry powder, and cook for 30–60 seconds to bloom, stirring frequently. Mix in ginger and garlic, cooking 1 more minute.

4. Simmer Beef: Return beef to the pot. Add beef broth and thyme, stir to combine, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beef is tender, about 1–1/2 hours.

5. Add Vegetables & Habanero: Add potatoes, carrots, and whole habanero pepper (if using). Simmer until vegetables are tender and beef is fork-tender. Remove habanero. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

6. Make Spinners (Dumplings): In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add water and mix until a stiff dough forms. Knead for 1-2 minutes.  Divide dough into small pieces and roll into 3–4 inch long “spinners.”

7. Cook Spinners: Gently drop spinners into the simmering curry during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and cook until the dumplings are cooked through and tender.

8. Serve: Serve curry beef and spinners over rice if desired, garnished with fresh parsley or chilli flakes