Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup Recipe - Native American Cuisine

Region / culture: Native America | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 4.5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup is a traditional Native American dish that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cold winter days. This soup is made with a variety of vegetables, meat, and seasonings that come together to create a delicious and comforting meal.

History

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup has its origins in Native American cuisine, specifically the Cherokee tribe. This soup was traditionally made with ingredients that were readily available in the region, such as beef, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, okra, potatoes, carrots, and corn. The soup was often cooked in large pots over an open flame, allowing the flavors to meld together slowly.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) venison or beef short ribs or shanks
2 qt (1.89 liter) water
2 large onions, quartered
2 ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 large sweet bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup fresh or frozen okra
0.5 cup diced potatoes
0.5 cup sliced carrots
0.5 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
0.25 cup chopped celery
salt and ground pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place the meat, water, and onions in a heavy soup kettle.
Cover the kettle and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3 hours.
Remove the meat, allow it to cool, and discard the bones. Return the meat to the pot.
Stir in the remaining vegetables and let it simmer, partially covered, for 1.5 hours.
Season with salt and pepper.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water.
You can add spices such as cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
To make it spicier, you can add a chopped jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For a richer flavor, you can use beef broth instead of water.

- Feel free to add other vegetables such as green beans, peas, or squash to customize the soup to your liking.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked beef or even leftover roast beef instead of cooking the meat from scratch.

Serving Suggestions

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup can be served as a main dish with a side of cornbread or crusty bread. You can also top it with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- Stirring occasionally prevents the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version of the soup.

- Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or green peppers.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. You can also drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20% DV

- Vitamin C: 60% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Summary

Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. With its hearty ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the leaves were changing colors and the air was filled with the scent of bonfires. I was visiting a small town in the mountains of North Carolina, where I stumbled upon a quaint little café called "The Cherokee Kitchen". As I entered, I was greeted by the warm and inviting aroma of spices and herbs.

I decided to order the Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup, intrigued by the name and eager to try something new. The waitress brought out a steaming bowl of soup that was rich, flavorful, and packed with a variety of ingredients. I savored every spoonful, savoring the unique blend of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this soup. I begged the waitress for the recipe, but she told me it was a closely guarded secret passed down through generations of Cherokee women. Disappointed but determined, I set out to recreate the soup on my own.

I returned to the café the next day, determined to learn the secret behind the Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup. I struck up a conversation with the owner, an elderly Cherokee woman named Eliza. She had a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye as she listened to my request.

Eliza invited me into the kitchen and began to show me how to make the soup. She explained that the key to the soup was in the broth, which was made from a blend of chicken and beef bones, simmered for hours with a medley of vegetables and spices. She showed me how to chop the vegetables, shred the meat, and season the broth just right.

As we worked together, Eliza shared stories of her ancestors and the traditions that had been passed down through the generations. She told me about the importance of using fresh, local ingredients and cooking with love and intention. I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring every moment.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the soup was finally ready. Eliza ladled out a bowl for me to taste, and I was transported back to that first magical bite in the café. The flavors were spot on, the broth was rich and hearty, and the warmth of the spices lingered on my tongue.

I thanked Eliza profusely for sharing her recipe and her wisdom with me. She smiled and told me that the soup would now be a part of my own culinary legacy, to be shared with my loved ones and passed down through the generations.

And so, the Cherokee Pepper Pot Soup became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it on cold winter nights, on lazy Sundays, and whenever I needed a taste of comfort and tradition. Each time I made the soup, I would think back to that fateful day in the mountains of North Carolina, where I had discovered not just a recipe, but a connection to a rich and vibrant heritage.

Now, as I sit here stirring a pot of soup for my own grandchildren, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that led me to this moment. The memories of Eliza and her kitchen, the flavors of the soup, and the stories of the Cherokee people are woven into every spoonful. And as I serve up the soup to my family, I know that I am passing on more than just a recipe – I am passing on a piece of my heart and soul.