montserratiandinner

Goatwater

Name: Goatwater
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 140 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: montserratian
Ingredients: 1 kg goat meat (bone-in, cut into pieces); 1 cup green papaya (peeled and diced); 1 tsp ground cloves; 1 tbsp dried marjoram; 1 medium onion (chopped); 2 tbsp tomato paste

Montserrat's national dish — a rich, spiced goat stew simmered with papaya and aromatic herbs.

Prep

20 min

Cook

120 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

★★★★★

4.7(312 ratings)

#stew#goat#national-dish#caribbean

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About This Recipe

Goatwater is the soul of Montserratian cooking. Slow-cooked goat meat infused with cloves, marjoram, and green papaya creates a deeply flavoured broth that locals enjoy at festivals and Sunday gatherings.

Ingredients

Serves 4

1 kggoat meat(bone-in, cut into pieces)
1 cupgreen papaya(peeled and diced)
1 tspground cloves
1 tbspdried marjoram
1 mediumonion(chopped)
2 tbsptomato paste

Instructions

1
Season meat
Rub goat pieces with salt, cloves, and marjoram. Let marinate 30 minutes.
2
Brown and sauté
Sear goat in a heavy pot until browned. Add onion and cook until softened.
3
Add liquids
Stir in tomato paste, then cover with 1.5 litres of water. Bring to a boil.
4
Simmer
Reduce heat and simmer 90 minutes, skimming foam occasionally.
Add papaya in the last 30 minutes so it stays slightly firm.
5
Serve
Adjust seasoning and ladle into bowls with crusty bread.

Pro Tips

→
Bone-in pieces give the richest broth.
→
A splash of rum can deepen flavour.

Variations

•
Add scotch bonnet for heat.
•
Substitute lamb if goat is unavailable.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days; freezes well for 1 month.

History & Origin

Goatwater has been central to Montserratian celebrations for centuries, reflecting the island's strong Irish and West African culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 8 hours after browning the meat.

Is it very spicy?

Traditional goatwater is mildly spiced; add scotch bonnet to increase heat.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 4 servings total

Calories380kcal

Protein42g

Carbohydrates10g

Fat18g

Fiber2g

Protein42g

Carbs10g

Fat18g

Time Summary

Prep time20 min

Cook time120 min

Total time140 min

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Instructions

Season meat

Rub goat pieces with salt, cloves, and marjoram. Let marinate 30 minutes.

Brown and sauté

Sear goat in a heavy pot until browned. Add onion and cook until softened.

Add liquids

Stir in tomato paste, then cover with 1.5 litres of water. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat and simmer 90 minutes, skimming foam occasionally.

Add papaya in the last 30 minutes so it stays slightly firm.

Serve

Adjust seasoning and ladle into bowls with crusty bread.