Soup Joumou (Soup joumou)
Overview
Soup joumou is a Haitian soup of pumpkin, beef and vegetables. The squash is cooked and puréed into a thick golden broth, then simmered with marinated beef, potatoes, carrot, cabbage, turnip and pasta, flavoured with epis, Haiti's herb and garlic seasoning, and a whole scotch bonnet. It is warming and filling, and families make large pots to share with neighbours. It is traditionally eaten on the first of January, Haiti's Independence Day. Pieces of the beef and plenty of vegetables are served in every bowl, often with bread or a slice of lime on the side.
Pictures
History
Under French colonial rule, the soup was reserved for enslaved people's masters. After Haiti won independence in 1804, eating it became a celebration of freedom, and it has been served on Independence Day ever since. In 2021 UNESCO inscribed soup joumou on its list of intangible cultural heritage, recognising its importance to Haitian identity. Haitians abroad also prepare it every New Year's Day.
Main ingredients
Pumpkin (joumou), beef, pasta, cabbage, carrot, epis seasoning. The soup is built on pumpkin and beef broth and is usually served hot. Diet: contains meat; not usually gluten-free.
Recipe outline serves 4 · ~150 min
Ingredients
- 1 kg pumpkin, peeled and cubed
- 500 g beef, marinated in epis and lime
- 2 potatoes, 2 carrots, 1/4 cabbage
- 100 g pasta
- 1 scotch bonnet, thyme
- salt
Allergens: Contains: Gluten. Based on the typical recipe. Recipes and products vary; always check labels if you have an allergy.
Method
- Simmer the beef in water for 1 hour until tender.
- Boil the pumpkin until soft, blend and add to the beef broth.
- Add the vegetables and scotch bonnet and cook for 25 minutes.
- Add the pasta and cook until tender; season and serve.
Sources
Description, history and recipe written by SoupWiki and checked against the sources above. Calories and times are rough estimates.