Haitian Pumpkin Delight: Soup Joumou
Soup Joumou is a cherished Haitian tradition—an aromatic and hearty pumpkin soup that symbolizes freedom and unity. Crafted with a blend of vibrant vegetables, tender meat, and a medley of spices, this soul-warming dish is often enjoyed on New Year's Day to commemorate Haiti's independence. This recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering bowl of this beloved national treasure, perfect for any season.
Ingredients
🍗 Chicken pieces, pre-seasoned and fried
🍅 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🚰 Ladlefuls of water
🎃 1/2 medium pumpkin
🍠 2 medium white yams
🥔 2 red potatoes, 2 white potatoes
🍌 1 green plantain
🥕 3 carrots
🌿 1 large bunch watercress
🥬 1/4 small head of white cabbage
🌿 1 small bunch parsley
🌿 1 small bunch thyme
🌶️ 1 red bell pepper
🌶️ 1 green Scotch Bonnet pepper
🍝 3-4 vermicelli nests
🍝 1 cup penne pasta
🥥 1 can coconut milk
🧂 2 Maggi cubes
🌿 1 tablespoon cloves
🍋 1-2 tablespoons Haitian vinegar
🧈 1-2 tablespoons butter
🧂 Salt to taste
Instructions
1- Prepare the Meat:
- Pre-season, boil, and fry chicken pieces until browned.
- In the same pan, add tomato paste and stir, gradually adding water to form a sauce. Set aside.
2- Cook Soft Vegetables:
- In a large pot, bring 10-12 cups of water to a boil.
- Add watercress, cabbage, carrots, radishes, and celery. Boil for about 20 minutes.
3- Add Hard Vegetables:
- After 20 minutes, add pumpkin, yams, potatoes, plantain, and turnip.
- Pour in coconut milk if using.
4- Boil Until Tender:
- Cook until pumpkin is soft.
- Remove, mash, and strain pumpkin back into the soup.
5- Incorporate Pasta and Meat Gravy:
- Add penne and vermicelli.
- Pour in chicken gravy.
6- Flavor the Soup:
- Add cloves, red bell pepper, thyme, parsley, Maggi cubes, vinegar, and butter.
- For spice, add Scotch Bonnet pepper.
7- Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:
- Cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until pasta is done.
- Taste and add salt if necessary.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 450
Proteins: 30g
Fats: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Metal ladle
- Stirring spoon
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Measuring cup
- Cutting board and knife
- Stovetop
Cooking Tips
- Season meat a day ahead for richer flavor.
- Mash pumpkin thoroughly for a creamy texture.
- Control soup's heat by leaving Scotch Bonnet pepper whole.
#haitiancuisine #pumpkinsoup #soupjoumou #comfortfood #traditionalrecipes
Island Vibe Cooking: https://www.youtube.com/@IslandVibeCooking