Last Updated on October 12, 2023 by Carne Diem
Protein: 
Origin: Dutch Antilles, Curacao
Method: Stovetop, Dutch Oven
Jump to RecipeThis hearty Caribbean beef stew is loaded with tender braised beef, potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet peppers. This famous Southern Caribbean dish is perfect for enjoying during those cool autumn nights, while you dream about those warm Caribbean breezes.
My first experience with Karni Stoba was during a recent cruise to the ABC islands last year. While I was island hopping trying to find the Southern Caribbean's best Keshi Yena, my wife decided to try something different and ordered a bowl of Caribbean Karni Stoba. This Caribbean beef stew ended up being one of our favorite dishes of the entire trip.
Table of contents
What is Karni Stoba?
Karni Stoba is a beef stew famous in the islands of the Dutch Antilles, but especially popular on the Dutch island of Curacao. The Caribbean stew consists of tender beef in a savory broth, with root vegetables, and a hint of spice from the addition of Scotch Bonnet peppers.
Looking for more of the best soup, chowder, and stew recipes? Check out some of our favorites:
- Best Dutch Oven Taco Soup
- Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup with Smoked Beef
- Fire Roasted Tomato Soup
- Smoked Salmon Chowder
- Texas Red Chili with Smoked Chuck Roast
- Dutch Oven White Chicken Chili
Making Karni Stoba
This easy beef stew recipe is made with easy to find ingredients, and requires very little prep. To make this one pot beef stew you will need soy sauce, garlic, nutmeg, cumin, beef broth, tomato paste, salt and pepper.
You will also need tomato, bell pepper, onion, Scotch bonnet peppers and your choice of root vegetables and potatoes. If you can't find Scotch bonnet peppers, then you can substitute habanero peppers. The peppers add a nice warmth to the Karni Stoba stew, but don't worry it is not overly spicy. Even our kids loved it.
Prepare the marinade for the beef by combining the soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cumin, and ¼ cup of beef broth in a bowl and mix to combine.
What is the best cut of beef for stew?
When it comes to the best cut of beef for stew, cuts taken from the shoulder or chuck are often the best for stew. They contain the perfect amount of fat and connective tissue for slow simmering to tender perfection. Bottom round, brisket, and short ribs also work well for stew.
Cube your stew meat into roughly 1-inch cubes. Remove any large pieces of fat of connective tissue.
Add the stew meat to the bowl with the beef marinade. Cover and let sit while you prepare the rest of the Karni Stoba. For a stronger flavor you can marinade overnight in the refrigerator.
Dice the onion and tomato and cube the carrots, bell pepper and potatoes.
Best potatoes for the stew
We recommend using red, yellow, or Yukon gold potatoes for stew, as they have less starch and hold up better to the prolonged cooking. Starchy potatoes, like Russet tend to get mushy with prolonged cooking.
Cooking the Southern Caribbean Beef Stew
Heat a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot over medium heat and add a couple tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Remove the marinated beef with a slotted spoon, leaving behind as much liquid as possible, and brown the beef. Reserve the marinade.
Once the stew meat is evenly browned, add the onions and bell peppers and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
Next, add in the remaining beef broth, tomato paste, reserved marinade, and your remaining veggies and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Partially cover the pot or Dutch oven and simmer the Karni Stoba for 2-3 hours, until the beef is tender, and the sauce has thickened.
Serving the Karni Stoba
Serve the Antillean Karni Stoba warm. Remove the Scotch bonnet peppers before serving. If desired top with a little fresh arugula or serve with some sliced papaya.
Enjoy with breads like pan bati, Johnny cakes, or dinner rolls. Sides like white of calypso rice, funchi, and tostones also pair well.
For a spicier version of the Caribbean beef stew, you can finely dice the Scotch bonnet peppers and return to the stew.
For more great Island cuisine be sure to check out some of our favorite Caribbean inspired recipes:
- Mahi Mahi Tacos with Chipotle Crema and Mango Salsa
- Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Kalua Pork: Hawaiian Pulled Pork
- Jamaican Style Cast Iron Oxtail Stew
- Keshi Yena: Aruban Meat Stuffed Cheese
- Roasted Chicken and Shrimp Curry Stuffed Coconuts
- Smoked Pernil- Puerto Rican Roast Pork Shoulder
- Puerto Rican Arroz Con Gandules: Rice with Pigeon Peas
Frequently Asked Questions
Karni Stoba is a Caribbean beef stew popular in the Antilles, especially Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire. The hearty stew contains marinated and seared chucks of beef, served is a flavorful broth with bell peppers, vegetables, onions, and Scotch Bonnet peppers.
While the dish does typically contain Scotch Bonnet peppers, it is not a spicy dish and is appropriate for all ages.
The stew is best if eaten within 3 days of making it. Leftovers could be covered and stored in the refrigerator.
As written this recipe is not gluten free as the soy sauce in the recipe contains gluten. For a gluten free recipe use a gluten free soy sauce.
The beef and vegetable stew is best reheated on a stovetop. Bring back to a simmer, then reduce heat and serve.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. If you tried and enjoyed our recipe, please share with others and please leave us a comment and review. We also love to see your pics so don’t forget to tag us @Carne_Diem_Culinary or #CarneDiemBlog. To be notified of future recipes please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, or sign up for our e-mail notifications. Until next time, Carne Diem!
📖 Recipe
Karni Stoba: Caribbean Beef Stew
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1.5 Pounds Stew Meat
- 1-2 Carrots Cubed
- 4-5 Yellow or Red Potatoes Cubed
- 1 Onion Diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper Cubed
- 1 Tomato Diced
- 16 Ounce Beef Broth
- 2 Scotch Bonnet Peppers
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
Marinade
- 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon Nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine the soy sauce, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg with about ¼ cup of the beef broth and mix to combine.
- Add the cubed stew meat to the marinade and mix well. Cover and marinade while you prepare the rest of the dish, or overnight.
- Prep the potatoes and veggies by dicing the onion and tomato and cutting the bell pepper, carrot, and potatoes into large chunks. Leave the Scotch Bonnet peppers whole.
- Heat a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. When the butter is melted, remove the meat from the marinade with a slotted spoon and add to the Dutch oven. Reserve the marinade.
- Once the meat is browned on all sides, add in the onion and bell pepper and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add reserved marinade, remaining beef broth, carrot, potatoes, Scotch Bonnet peppers, tomato paste, and tomato. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer the stew, partially covered, for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
- Taste the stew and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Comments
No Comments