I know this tradition is one that every Haitian looks forward to on New Year’s Day.
Eating soup joumou is a tradition that began on January 1, 1804: Haiti’s Independence Day.
Haiti, the first Black republic, had been enslaved by the French for hundreds of years.
Photo: Johane M. Filemon
Similar practices are found in other Haitian households within Haiti and the Haitian diaspora.
I’ve seen beef or chicken feet used in different recipes.
You may even find some using butternut squash in the United States if calabaza squash isn’t available.
But my mother always used cilantro as I was growing up and I do the same.
My family loves soup joumou so much that I get requests to make it several times throughout the year.
Adding more potatoes and pasta will bring about a thicker consistency.
Personally, I’m kind of a tweenernot too thick, not too thin.
Cheers to a bowl (or six) of soup joumou on January 1!
Blend or process until mostly smooth, scraping down the blender or processor as needed, about 1 minute.
Place beef (or goat) in a small bowl.
Squeeze sour orange (or lemon) over the meat.
Add 1 cup water and stir to coat the meat.
(Reserve remaining marinade for garnish.)
To prepare soup:Place the meat and marinade in a medium pot.
Add 1 cup water; cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Meanwhile, place squash in a large pot and add 5 cups water.
Scoop out the squash with a slotted spoon and transfer to a blender (reserve the liquid).
Add about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid to the blender; blend until smooth.
(Alternatively, you’re able to use an immersion blender to puree the squash in the pot.
Use caution when blending hot liquids.)
Add 4 cups water to the liquid in the pot.
(If going meatless, stir in 1 tablespoon grapeseed or olive oil.)
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.
Add pasta and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes.
Adjust seasonings with salt and some of the reserved epis, if desired.
Serve with Haitian or French bread.
Feel free to use just one throw in or any combo you like.
Traditionally, the soup is made with beef, but you might substitute it with goat meat if preferred.
The soup is traditionally made with calabaza squasha winter squash that is also called green pumpkin.
If you’re able to’t find calabaza, you’re able to use butternut squash.
Yes, it’s possible for you to.
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.
