Oat and Sweet Potato Dumplings with Coconut Curry Broad Beans & Saltfish
Oat and Sweet Potato Dumplings with Coconut Curry Broad Beans & Saltfish is a medium Jamaican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $10.39 total, $2.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (fine rolled oats, blended into a powder)
- 1 cup Water (lukewarm, adjust as needed for dough consistency)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 medium Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced 1‑inch cubes)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 cup Saltfish (Salted Cod) (desalted, flaked)
- 1 cup Broad Beans (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup Jamaican Smoked Sausage (diced)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 small Scotch Bonnet Pepper (minced, seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Coconut Milk (full‑fat)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Lime Juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Blend Dry Ingredients
Add the sifted flour, rolled oats, and salt to the blender. Pulse briefly to combine the dry ingredients.
Time: PT3M
Add Water and Form Dough
With the blender running, slowly pour in the lukewarm water until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The mixture should feel like a thick batter that can be handled with wet hands.
Time: PT5M
Knead and Rest Dough
Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl, knead briefly (about 1 minute) until smooth. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture.
Time: PT5M
Shape Dumplings
Pinch off portions of dough (about the size of a walnut), roll into balls, then flatten slightly to form dumplings.
Time: PT10M
Cook Sweet Potatoes and Dumplings
In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the diced sweet potatoes and simmer for 5 minutes, then gently add the dumplings. Cook together for 15‑20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork‑tender and the dumplings float and hold their shape.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: boiling
Prepare Coconut Curry Base
While the dumplings cook, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add turmeric powder and stir for 30 seconds to release aroma.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced Scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Add Protein and Beans
Stir in the diced smoked sausage, flaked saltfish, and broad beans. Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Incorporate Coconut Milk
Pour in the coconut milk, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add chopped thyme, black pepper, and lime juice if using. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: simmer
Combine and Serve
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked dumplings and sweet potatoes into the coconut curry, allowing them to soak up the sauce for 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme leaves if desired.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Pescatarian, Dairy‑free, Nut‑free
Allergens: Gluten, Fish, Shellfish (if sausage contains shellfish seasoning)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour, Gluten‑Free Flour Blend
- Instead of Rolled Oats: Quick‑Cooking Oats, Oat Flour
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Sweet Potatoes: Butternut Squash
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable Oil, Coconut Oil
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Ground Cumin (for color)
- Instead of Saltfish (Salted Cod): Dried Salted Haddock
- Instead of Broad Beans: Green Peas
- Instead of Jamaican Smoked Sausage: Andouille Sausage, Chorizo
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Scotch Bonnet Pepper: Habanero, Jalapeño
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic Powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Coconut Milk: Coconut Cream diluted 1:1 with water
- Instead of Fresh Thyme Leaves: Dried Thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lime Juice: Vinegar (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Achieving the correct dough consistency – it should be wet but manageable.
- Gentle handling of dumplings while cooking to prevent them from falling apart.
- Simmering coconut milk without a hard boil to avoid curdling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the rolled oats lightly before blending for a nuttier flavor.
- Desalt the saltfish by soaking it in cold water for 2‑3 hours, changing the water several times.
- For extra fluffiness, steam the dumplings for the last 5 minutes instead of boiling.
Troubleshooting
Dough is too dry and cracks when rolled.
Add water a tablespoon at a time, kneading gently until the dough becomes pliable.
Dumplings fall apart in the broth.
Ensure the dough is sufficiently wet before shaping and avoid over‑stirring the pot while cooking.
Coconut milk curdles or separates.
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and stir continuously; add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Dumplings can be frozen raw on a tray, then transferred to a zip‑top bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in boiling water.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the dish contains perishable proteins.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dumpling dough a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge; shape dumplings when ready to cook.
- The coconut curry sauce improves in flavor after resting for 30 minutes; reheat gently before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of oat and sweet potato dumplings in Jamaican cuisine?
Jamaican dumplings, known locally as "dumplings" or "spinners," have roots in African and British colonial cooking. Adding oats and sweet potatoes reflects a modern, health‑focused twist while retaining the traditional staple of flour‑based dumplings served with stews.
What are the traditional regional variations of coconut curry broad beans with saltfish in Jamaican cuisine?
In coastal Jamaica, the dish often features saltfish (the island’s preserved cod) and a thick coconut milk base, sometimes called "fish tea". Inland versions may replace broad beans with pigeon peas or add callaloo for extra greens.
How is this dish traditionally served in Jamaica?
The dumplings and coconut curry are typically served hot for breakfast or lunch, accompanied by a side of fried plantains or fresh fruit. It is common to eat it with a wooden spoon straight from the pot.
What occasions or celebrations is this dumpling and coconut curry dish associated with in Jamaican culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, hearty dumpling dishes are popular on weekends, family gatherings, and during festive breakfasts such as "Sunday brunch" or after church services.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for coconut curry broad beans with saltfish versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include full‑fat coconut milk, saltfish (salted cod), Scotch bonnet pepper, and fresh thyme. Substitutes can be dried cod (desalted), habanero pepper for heat, and coconut cream diluted with water if coconut milk is unavailable.
What other Jamaican dishes pair well with oat and sweet potato dumplings and coconut curry?
They pair beautifully with fried plantains, callaloo sautéed with garlic, or a simple avocado salad dressed with lime. A glass of fresh ginger‑lime juice also complements the flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making oat and sweet potato dumplings?
Common errors include making the dough too dry, over‑stirring the pot which breaks the dumplings, and boiling the coconut milk too vigorously, which can cause curdling.
Why does this recipe use a blender to combine the flour and oats instead of hand‑mixing?
Blending creates a finer oat texture that integrates smoothly with the flour, giving the dumplings a lighter crumb and preventing gritty pockets that can occur with hand‑mixing.
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time and how should I store them before cooking?
Yes, shape the dumplings, place them on a parchment‑lined tray, cover with a damp cloth, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. They can also be frozen raw and boiled directly from the freezer when needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the coconut curry is done?
The sauce should be glossy, slightly thickened, and the vegetables should be tender but not mushy. The coconut milk will coat the back of a spoon and the thyme leaves will be bright green.
What does the YouTube channel Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica specialize in?
Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica focuses on authentic Jamaican home cooking, sharing traditional recipes, modern twists, and practical tips for Caribbean flavors using accessible ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Whitney's Kitchen Jamaica's approach to Jamaican cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?
Whitney emphasizes step‑by‑step visual guidance, cultural storytelling, and budget‑friendly ingredient swaps, while many other channels prioritize high‑end or restaurant‑style presentations.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






