1. Start by marinating the goat meat. In a large bowl, add the goat meat, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring that every piece of meat is well coated with the spices. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Once marinated, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the goat meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Brown the meat on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. The key here is to develop a rich, deep flavor through browning; don’t rush this step.
3. After browning the goat meat, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the diced tomatoes and chopped chili peppers. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and fragrant, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
4. Return the browned goat meat to the pot, along with any juices that have accumulated. Stir to combine with the tomatoes and chili peppers. Pour in enough water to cover the meat, approximately 4 cups (1 liter). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the goat meat is tender and succulent. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more water if necessary.
5. While the goat meat is simmering, prepare the plantains. In a separate pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced plantains and cook until they are golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
6. Once the goat meat is tender, stir in the cooked beans and chopped spinach into the stew. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the beans are heated through. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. To serve, ladle the spicy goat meat stew into bowls. Garnish with the crispy fried plantains on top. The sweetness of the plantains contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the stew, creating an unforgettable dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of both African and Caribbean cuisines.
8. Pair it with a side of rice or enjoy it just as it is. Either way, this hearty meal is sure to impress. Bon appétit!