Jamaican Curry Cow Foot Recipe (Instant Pot + Traditional Method)
This Jamaican Curry Cow Foot is rich, spicy, and full of bold island flavor — just like the traditional version we grew up on, but much faster thanks to the Instant Pot. The cow foot cooks down until tender and silky, soaking up the curry, aromatics, and Scotch bonnet heat. Butter beans add creaminess and help thicken the gravy naturally, giving you a comforting, authentic Jamaican dish that’s perfect with white rice, dumplings, or your favorite “hard food.”
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3-4 lbs cow foot , cut small
- 3-4 tbsp Jamaican curry powder Betapac
- 1 tsp turmeric (optional but boosts color + flavor)
- 1-2 tbsp all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1 large onion , sliced
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 2 stalks scallion , chopped
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6-8 whole pimento seeds (allspice)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (or slices for extra heat)
- 1 can can butter beans , rinsed & drained (added at the end)
- 4 cups water (or broth)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
How to Clean and Prep Cow Foot Properly
- Rinse pieces under cold water. Use vinegar and or lime to clean. Scrape any excess fat or membrane. Rinse again, pat dry, and season.
Season cow foot
- Season with all-purpose, black pepper, curry powder, onion, garlic, thyme, scallion, pimento, scotch bonnet.
Burn the curry
- This is KEY for authentic Jamaican flavor.
- In your Instant Pot on sauté mode:
- Add oil
- Add 1 tbsp curry powder
- Let it toast until dark and fragrant
- This unlocks the curry’s flavor.
Add seasoned cow foot
- Add in the cow foot and 3–4 cups of water.
Step 4: Pressure cook
- Set the Instant Pot to:
- High pressure
- 45–55 minutes (depending on size)
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Butter Beans
- Turn sauté mode back on. Add 1 can of butter beans and simmer for 10–12 minutes until:
Notes
Final Thoughts
Jamaican Curry Cow Foot is one of those dishes that truly represents our culture — bold, hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you grew up eating it or you’re trying it for the first time, this recipe will give you REAL Jamaican taste with a modern twist that fits any busy lifestyle.
At Jerk Tavern, we love mixing tradition with convenience, and this Instant Pot curry cow foot recipe gives you all the flavor in a fraction of the time.
If you make this, don’t forget to tag us — we LOVE seeing your creations 🇯🇲🔥
Nutrition
Serving: 5gCalories: 786kcalCarbohydrates: 105gProtein: 31gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 1877mgPotassium: 1875mgFiber: 31gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 935IUVitamin C: 89mgCalcium: 322mgIron: 15mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
