Soak dried red kidney beans (150 g) in water (300 mL) and baking soda (1 g) overnight (12 h).
Boil the pig tails (300 g) in 1 L of water for 30 min. Pour off the boiling liquid.
Pour off the bean soaking liquid in the morning (this helps soften the beans and break down the raffinose sugar known to irritate bowels).
Stew Assembly
To the soaked beans, add water (150 mL), boiled pig tails (300 g), beef shank (300 g), Kosher salt (4 g), pimento seeds (10 g), black pepper (4 g), onions (200 g), Jamaican escallions (45 g), garlic (60 g), ginger (10 g) and bay leaves.
Simmer on medium for 20 min, then add 1 can of coconut milk (300 mL) or half a can of coconut cream (150 mL) and 100 mL water.
Add the Jamaican boiled dumplings (recipe below) and simmer for a final 20 min. The stew will be ready once the dumplings have cooked through and have a firm chew.
Serve immediately as is or with a side of rice.
Jamaican Boiled Dumplings
In a large bowl, add all-purpose flour (200 g), warm water (100 g), Kosher salt (2 g) and knead into a firm dough.
Roll the dough into spinners (dowel shaped dumplings about the size of your middle finger) and disperse them into the peas pot.