Jamaican Goat Curry

In March I needed to get away from the cold and snow of so I flew

to Jamaica using my frequent flyer miles and stayed at Samsara Cliff Hotel in Negril. The hotel is a couple hours from Montego Bay airport but the hotel provided transportation for $87. The hotel is located on the cliffs with steps down to the water.  Guests enjoyed jumping in the water from the top of the cliffs and said the snorkeling of the

bottom steps to the water was great. Their sister hotel, Legends, is located on a beach not far away with free transportation between the two.  I was glad I opted for Samsara Cliff Hotel because it was much quieter, bigger, and I was able to have relaxing massages at their oceanfront, alfresco spa solana. The hotel is wide with several options for

accommodations.  I chose one facing the water with a great sunset view.  There were plenty of places to lounge about: around the pool, near the spa, along the cliffs and it was never too crowded. 

On the drive from the Montego Bay Airport I noticed many free range goats. Wondering how goats got to Jamaica I searched the

internet.  It seems that they were introduced by the Spanish and Portuguese in the 16th century and through interbreeding and natural selection created goats that have adapted to the Jamaican climate. The hotel had a restaurant and bar with a water view but they didn’t serve any goat recipes; however, the hotel had

a second restaurant across the road from the reception area called

“Ciao Jamaica.” They served Goat Curry which made me wonder how curry, which I associate with India and the East, made its way to Jamaica. The English took over Jamaican from the Spanish and curry arrived along with people from the East India Trading Company many of whom had spent time in India. It has become a traditional Jamaican dish. Ciao Jamaica’s Chef Dwayne agreed to let me watch him prepare my Jamaican Goat Curry ($20). 

Jamaican Goat Curry

3 tbsp Jamaican-style curry powder
½ onion diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, minced
½ Scotch bonnet pepper, diced 
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp kosher salt
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 lbs goat meat, cubed
½ cup sliced carrots
1/2 onion sliced
½ green pepper Julianne
1/4 tsp dried thyme of spring of fresh thyme
2 cups water
1 cup potatoes, peeled and diced

Mix two teaspoons curry powder, diced onion, garlic, ginger, scotch bonnet pepper, black pepper, and salt. Rub mixture into the meat. Refrigerate for two hours.

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat.  Add the remaining one tablespoon curry powder, sliced onion, green pepper, and thyme.  Sear for one minute. Add the marinated meat and carrots. Sear.  Add water.  Cover and allow to simmer for about 1 hour 20 minutes or until the meat is tender. Add the potatoes cook for five minutes or until tender.  

The chef’s helper fancied up the plate for serving. It was delicious. I had only had goat a few time previously.  Goat meat is healthy with less saturated fat than chicken and beef and certainly better than feedlot animals.  Goats are free range and will eat just about anything. Goat meat is lower in calories, fat, and cholesterol while being high in protein and iron. I guess any meat could be substituted for goat in this recipe but Scriba Meat Market sells goat.

Negril, Jamaica

 Sometimes it takes a change in latitude for a change in attitude.  The winter was long. I needed to get away. But, where?  I wanted sun and sea.  We are lucky the Caribbean is so close with many destinations to choose from. Santo Domingo and Jamaica usually offer the best value.  I had frequent flyer miles on United and the best deal was to Jamaica.

The next decision was where to stay.  I wanted some place small, quiet, and on the water.  Jamaica seemed to offer a variety of options. John and I had been to Montego Bay so I decided on Negril.  I did not realize it was a two-hour ride from the Montego Bay airport to Negri.  I did not want an all-inclusive or someplace expensive.  A search for three-star hotels on the beach brought up Legends on Seven Mile Beach.   Sounded great but they

did not have availability for the days I was interested in and suggested their sister hotel Samsara Cliff Resort.  It wasn’t on a beach but it was on the cliff overlooking the water. What sold me was the fact that they said it was quieter than the hotels on Seven Mile Beach.  

On the drive from the airport to the hotel the driver was full of helpful information so it didn’t seem so long. Samsara had several types of rooms to choose from.  While the garden rooms looked interesting they were across the street.  The Pillar House Bungalows had great views with an outdoor shower and looked very romantic; I picked the Superior Ocean Front Room which was perfect for me.  However, I did not read the small print –

the reasonable price was per person but I was charged as if there

were two people.  A lesson learned.  Samsara passed on their all-inclusive option.  Considering the time of the year and location the rate I paid was not unreasonable. : 

Samsara is located on a cliff with steps down to the water but many of the guests enjoyed jumping from the cliffs while others raved about the snorkeling.  I

fear I did neither but enjoyed watching them.  I, however, did enjoy their pool.  There was never any problem getting a lounge plus there were many along the cliff which seemed to be the most popular.  

The hotel offered a free shuttle daily to Legends, their beach hotel.  I booked a glass bottom boat tour which left from Legends.

The tour was uninspiring but I knew it would be – it was reasonable and gave me an opportunity so check out Legends and other properties along Seven Mile Beach.  I was very happy that I was at Samsara.  Seven Mile Beach was crowded with no free lounges available and, for me, too many people.  I was also told that the area is more of a party area. Not what I was looking for.  The Samsara staff and other guests were friendly.  It was not a party destination but those who were looking for night-time fun could find it nearby.  

I enjoyed swimming in the pool and having several spa treatments.  I especially enjoyed foot reflexology in the open air spa with views of the water.  There were a variety of tours offered but I passed – maybe next time.  I relished the time in the sun and pool, the quiet time to read my books, and the live music on Sunday night.  I may return next year but for two weeks.  I wasn’t ready to come home.