Haitian Bouillon

Haitian Bouillon Recipe - A Flavorful Traditional Dish from Haiti

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Haitian Bouillon is a traditional Haitian soup that is hearty, flavorful, and packed with a variety of vegetables and meats. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day or for a special occasion with family and friends.

History

Haitian Bouillon has its roots in Haitian cuisine, which is a fusion of African, French, and indigenous Taino influences. This dish has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Haitian households, often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat
1 green plantain
2 small bonita
bunch of watercress
0.5 cup green beans
1 small onion
bunch of scallions
bunch of carrots
2 white malanga
2 medium potatoes
1 cup flour
2 boxes of beef broth
some cilantro to taste
some parsley
some thyme
1 hot pepper of your choice
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Brown the meat separately and set it aside.
In a large pot, bring all the vegetables together and add beef broth. Cook well.
Add the cooked meat and set aside some of the broth to make dumplings. To make the dumplings, simply roll the flour into small balls using about 0.5 cup of the broth. Drop the dumplings into the soup.
Crush the malanga in the soup to thicken it.

Variations

Use different types of meat such as chicken or pork.
Add additional vegetables like yams, squash, or okra for a twist on the traditional recipe.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Browning the meat before adding it to the soup adds depth of flavor.

- Crushing the malanga in the soup helps to thicken it and adds a unique texture.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Haitian Bouillon can be served as a main dish with a side of rice or bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and parsley for added flavor and color.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meat adds flavor to the soup.

- Crushing the malanga helps to thicken the soup.

- Making dumplings with the broth adds a unique texture to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find malanga, you can substitute with yams or potatoes.

- Use any type of meat you prefer, such as chicken, pork, or even seafood.

- Feel free to add or omit vegetables based on your personal taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

Haitian Bouillon can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Haitian Bouillon in a large soup bowl and garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Haitian Bouillon pairs well with a side of rice, bread, or fried plantains. Enjoy with a refreshing drink like a tropical fruit juice or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Haitian Bouillon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The number of calories in Haitian Bouillon can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. On average, a serving of Haitian Bouillon contains around 300-400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Haitian Bouillon come from the plantains, bonita, green beans, onions, scallions, carrots, potatoes, and flour. These ingredients provide energy and fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

The fats in Haitian Bouillon come from the meat and any added oils used for browning. While fats are essential for a balanced diet, it's important to enjoy them in moderation.

Proteins

The protein in Haitian Bouillon comes from the meat, which can be beef, chicken, or pork. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health and wellness.

Vitamins and minerals

Haitian Bouillon is rich in vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables used in the recipe. These nutrients help support a healthy immune system, promote good digestion, and contribute to overall well-being.

Alergens

Haitian Bouillon may contain allergens such as gluten from the flour used to make the dumplings. Be sure to check for any food allergies or sensitivities before enjoying this dish.

Summary

Haitian Bouillon is a nutritious and satisfying dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal for a taste of Haitian culture.

Summary

Haitian Bouillon is a delicious and nutritious soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with a variety of vegetables, meats, and spices, this dish is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this taste of Haitian cuisine with family and friends for a memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Haitian Bouillon. It was a hot summer day in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and I was a young girl visiting my aunt who lived in a small village outside of the city. My aunt was known throughout the village for her delicious cooking, and that day she was preparing a special dish for a family gathering.

As I watched her work in the kitchen, I was mesmerized by the way she moved with such grace and confidence. She chopped vegetables with precision, seasoned the meat with a mixture of spices that filled the room with an intoxicating aroma, and stirred the pot with a gentle but firm hand. I could tell that she was in her element, and I wanted to learn everything I could from her.

I asked my aunt if I could help her in the kitchen, and she smiled warmly and handed me a knife. She showed me how to chop the vegetables just right, how to season the meat with a perfect balance of flavors, and how to stir the pot with a rhythmic motion that seemed to come naturally to her.

As the bouillon simmered on the stove, my aunt sat me down at the kitchen table and told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that bouillon was a traditional Haitian dish that was typically served at special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and holidays. It was a labor of love that required time, patience, and skill to prepare, but the end result was always worth it.

My aunt shared with me the secret ingredients that made her bouillon stand out from the rest – a touch of fresh thyme from her garden, a pinch of homemade spice blend that she had inherited from her mother, and a generous dollop of love that she poured into every dish she made.

As we sat together in the kitchen, the smell of the bouillon wafting through the air, my aunt passed down her knowledge to me like a precious heirloom. She taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients, of taking the time to develop the flavors, and of cooking with passion and intention.

Years passed, and I carried my aunt's recipe for Haitian Bouillon with me wherever I went. I made it for my own family, for friends and neighbors, and for anyone who wanted to taste a piece of Haiti in a single bowl. Each time I prepared the dish, I felt a connection to my roots, to my family, and to the traditions that had been passed down through generations.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of bouillon that smells just like my aunt's, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift she gave me all those years ago. The recipe for Haitian Bouillon is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions – it is a symbol of love, of heritage, and of the bonds that connect us to our past and to each other.

And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of bouillon with my loved ones, I know that my aunt's spirit lives on in every spoonful, in every bite, and in every heart that is warmed by the flavors of Haiti.