Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou Recipe - Haitian Beef and Squash Soup

Region / culture: Haiti | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Soup Joumou is a traditional Haitian soup that is typically served on New Year's Day to celebrate Haiti's independence. This hearty and flavorful soup is made with a variety of ingredients including squash, meat, vegetables, and spices.

History

Soup Joumou has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century when Haiti gained its independence from French colonial rule. During slavery, enslaved Africans were not allowed to consume soup made with squash, as it was considered a delicacy reserved for the French slave masters. However, after gaining independence, Haitians began to celebrate their freedom by making and consuming Soup Joumou on New Year's Day.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) beef stew meat
2 lb (907 g) joumou (squash)
1 lb (454 g) chicken
celery leaves
1 lb (454 g) cabbage
3 large carrots
1 onion
6 medium potatoes
3 cloves
0.25 qt (237 ml) water
3 medium sized turnips
1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
1 hot pimento, whole with stem
0.25 lb (113 g) vermicelli

How to prepare

In a large kettle, bring the beef and chicken to a boil.
Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
Once the meat starts to become tender, add all the vegetables.
Continue boiling until the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked (0.5 hour).
Turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
Cube the meat and strain the vegetables through a fine sieve.
Return the cubed meat and the liquid to the kettle and bring it to a boil.
Carefully add the pimento, making sure not to break or puncture it.
Simmer until the vermicelli is cooked.

Variations

Add diced plantains for a touch of sweetness.
Use beef or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the soup while boiling the meat to ensure a clear broth.

- Strain the vegetables through a fine sieve to remove any fibrous bits and create a smooth and velvety texture.

- Add the pimento whole with the stem to infuse flavor without overpowering the soup.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich and complex taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Soup Joumou with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the meat and chicken to create a flavorful broth.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Strain the vegetables for a smooth and velvety texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butternut squash or pumpkin if joumou squash is not available.

- Substitute chicken broth for water for added flavor.

- Use any type of meat such as beef, pork, or turkey.

Make Ahead Tips

Soup Joumou can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Soup Joumou with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve in a large soup tureen for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Soup Joumou with a crisp green salad or fried plantains for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Soup Joumou in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 10g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Soup Joumou is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Soup Joumou is a nutritious and hearty soup that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Summary

Soup Joumou is a delicious and nutritious Haitian soup that is perfect for celebrating special occasions or enjoying as a comforting meal. With its rich history and flavorful ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a strong memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Soup Joumou. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Haiti. My mother had invited some friends over for dinner, and they brought with them a big pot of this delicious soup. As soon as I smelled the fragrant aroma wafting through the house, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I watched intently as my mother’s friend, Madame Josephine, prepared the soup. She explained to me that Soup Joumou was a traditional Haitian dish that was typically eaten on New Year’s Day to celebrate Haitian independence. It was a symbol of freedom and resilience, as it was once forbidden for slaves to eat this soup during the time of French colonization.

Madame Josephine showed me how to start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a large pot. She then added chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, along with some savory spices like thyme, parsley, and scotch bonnet peppers. The key ingredient, of course, was the pumpkin – or joumou in Haitian Creole – which gave the soup its rich and creamy texture.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its mouthwatering scent, Madame Josephine shared with me the history behind this beloved dish. She told me stories of her ancestors who had fought for freedom and independence, and how Soup Joumou had become a symbol of their resilience and strength.

I was captivated by both the flavors of the soup and the stories that accompanied it. I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself, so I asked Madame Josephine if she would teach me her recipe. She agreed, and over the course of the evening, she patiently guided me through each step, explaining the importance of each ingredient and technique.

After several hours of simmering, the soup was finally ready to be served. As I took my first spoonful, I was instantly transported back to my childhood in Haiti. The flavors were bold and comforting, a perfect blend of savory and sweet. I could taste the history and tradition in every bite, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.

In the years that followed, I perfected my own version of Soup Joumou, combining the techniques I had learned from Madame Josephine with my own personal touch. I shared this recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing down not just a delicious dish, but also a piece of Haitian history and culture.

Now, whenever I make Soup Joumou, I am reminded of that fateful evening spent in the kitchen with Madame Josephine. I am grateful for her generosity in sharing her knowledge and her love for this dish, and I am proud to continue the tradition of making this soup on New Year’s Day.

As I ladle out steaming bowls of Soup Joumou to my family and friends, I am filled with a sense of pride and connection to my heritage. This dish represents so much more than just food – it is a symbol of resilience, freedom, and the enduring spirit of the Haitian people.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of this delicious soup with my loved ones, I am reminded of the power of food to bring us together, to nourish not just our bodies, but also our souls. In every spoonful of Soup Joumou, I taste the history and tradition that have been passed down through generations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to keep this culinary legacy alive.