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Soup Joumou - Pumkin soup : Haitian Independence day

Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou is a cherished Haitian dish, symbolizing freedom and resilience. Traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day to honor Haitian Independence.

Ingredients

For the Epis (Haitian Seasoning Blend)

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled

  • 1 small bunch parsley

  • 3 sprigs thyme

  • 4 whole cloves

  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (seeded for less heat, if desired)

  • Juice of 1 lime or lemon

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or water (to help blend)

Instructions for Epis: Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Store extra epis in the fridge for future use.

For the Soup

Meat

  • 2 lbs beef cubes

  • 1 lb beef feet, cleaned and chopped

  • 1 lb beef bones or oxtail

  • Juice of 2 limes or lemons

  • 3 tbsp prepared epis

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

Vegetables

  • 1 lb pumpkin (calabaza or West Indian pumpkin), peeled and cubed, or substitute 1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin puree with 1 lb yellow squash

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 potatoes, cubed

  • 1 turnip, cubed

  • 1 celery stalk, chopped

  • 1 small cabbage, chopped

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup pasta (spaghetti, broken into pieces, or macaroni)

  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for mild heat)

  • 2 tbsp butter or oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tsp cloves (whole or ground)

  • 2 bouillon cubes (optional)

  • 8 cups water or beef stock

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Clean and Marinate the Meat

  1. Clean the beef cubes, feet, and bones (or oxtail) with lime juice and rinse thoroughly with water.

  2. In a bowl, season the meat with epis, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Build the Meat Broth

  1. In a large pot, sear the marinated meat until lightly browned.

  2. Add 6–8 cups of water, cover, and simmer over low heat for 1–1.5 hours, until the meat is tender and the broth is rich. Skim any foam or impurities from the surface.

Step 3: Cook the Pumpkin

  1. In another pot, boil the pumpkin (or squash) in 4 cups of water until tender (about 20 minutes).

  2. Blend the pumpkin with its cooking liquid to make a smooth puree. Set aside.

Step 4: Build the Soup

  1. Heat butter or oil in the pot with the meat broth. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and cloves until fragrant.

  2. Add the pumpkin puree to the pot and stir well.

Step 5: Add Vegetables and Pasta

  1. Add the carrots, potatoes, turnip, celery, cabbage, and pasta to the pot. Stir to combine.

  2. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper (whole for mild heat) and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each portion includes meat, vegetables, and broth. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or Haitian bread on the side.

Bring this symbol of unity and heritage to your table with a recipe that celebrates Haiti’s enduring spirit!

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