Haitian Soup Joumou

Traditional Haitian Cuisine

Soup Joumou is a traditional Haitian pumpkin soup and hearty stew that symbolizes Haiti’s independence. Once forbidden to enslaved Haitians, it is now proudly eaten every January 1st to celebrate freedom, resilience, and unity. The soup combines pureed squash, seasoned meat, vegetables, and pasta or rice into a rich, savory dish shared with family and community.

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Prep Time 1

Cook Time 2

Total Time 3 30

Servings: 6 People

Course: Soup

Cuisine: haitian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients

2 lbs beef (stew meat or beef shank)
½ cup epis (Haitian green seasoning)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon Haitian salt or any
1 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

Large stock pot
Blender or immersion blender
Sharp knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Marinate the meatClean the beef with lime juice. Season with epis, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Cook the squashBoil squash in water until tender. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Brown the meatHeat oil in a large pot. Add marinated beef and sauté until lightly browned.
Build the soupStir in garlic, onion, tomato paste, thyme, and pureed squash. Add broth and bring to a boil.
Add vegetablesAdd carrots, potatoes, turnips, celery, cabbage, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
Finish cookingAdd pasta or rice and cook until tender. Remove Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
ServeTaste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, traditionally with crusty bread.

Video

Notes

Soup Base

1 large calabaza squash (giraumon), peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Vegetables

2 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, cubed
1 turnip, cubed
2 cups chopped cabbage
1 onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

Seasoning & Add-ins

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, optional)
1 teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups water or beef broth
1 cup small pasta or rice