HOW TO MAKE SOUP JOUMOU

Haitian Pumpkin Delight: Soup Joumou

Soup Joumou is a cherished Haitian tradition—an aromatic and hearty pumpkin soup that symbolizes freedom and unity. Crafted with a blend of vibrant vegetables, tender meat, and a medley of spices, this soul-warming dish is often enjoyed on New Year's Day to commemorate Haiti's independence. This recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering bowl of this beloved national treasure, perfect for any season.

Ingredients

🍗 Chicken pieces, pre-seasoned and fried
🍅 1 tablespoon tomato paste
🚰 Ladlefuls of water
🎃 1/2 medium pumpkin
🍠 2 medium white yams
🥔 2 red potatoes, 2 white potatoes
🍌 1 green plantain
🥕 3 carrots
🌿 1 large bunch watercress
🥬 1/4 small head of white cabbage
🌿 1 small bunch parsley
🌿 1 small bunch thyme
🌶️ 1 red bell pepper
🌶️ 1 green Scotch Bonnet pepper
🍝 3-4 vermicelli nests
🍝 1 cup penne pasta
🥥 1 can coconut milk
🧂 2 Maggi cubes
🌿 1 tablespoon cloves
🍋 1-2 tablespoons Haitian vinegar
🧈 1-2 tablespoons butter
🧂 Salt to taste

Instructions

1- Prepare the Meat:

Pre-season, boil, and fry chicken pieces until browned.
In the same pan, add tomato paste and stir, gradually adding water to form a sauce. Set aside.

2- Cook Soft Vegetables:

In a large pot, bring 10-12 cups of water to a boil.
Add watercress, cabbage, carrots, radishes, and celery. Boil for about 20 minutes.

3- Add Hard Vegetables:

After 20 minutes, add pumpkin, yams, potatoes, plantain, and turnip.
Pour in coconut milk if using.

4- Boil Until Tender:

Cook until pumpkin is soft.
Remove, mash, and strain pumpkin back into the soup.

5- Incorporate Pasta and Meat Gravy:

Add penne and vermicelli.
Pour in chicken gravy.

6- Flavor the Soup:

Add cloves, red bell pepper, thyme, parsley, Maggi cubes, vinegar, and butter.
For spice, add Scotch Bonnet pepper.

7- Simmer and Adjust Seasoning:

Cook for another 20-25 minutes, or until pasta is done.
Taste and add salt if necessary.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 6-8
Calories: Approximately 450
Proteins: 30g
Fats: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g