Dominica Callaloo Soup (Creamy Dasheen Leaf Soup)
Local name: Callaloo soup
In short: Thick green soup from Dominica of dasheen leaves, okra, pumpkin and coconut milk, blended smooth and seasoned with thyme and scotch bonnet. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 195 kcal
Callaloo soup is the dish most people in Dominica name first. Dasheen leaves are simmered with okra, pumpkin and coconut milk, then blended into a thick, deep-green soup that tastes of herbs and a little pepper. It is served on its own, with dumplings or breadfruit, or spooned over rice. Taro leaves must be cooked thoroughly, so give them time in the pot.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion, garlic and scallions for 3 minutes until soft.
- Add the pumpkin, okra, thyme, whole scotch bonnet and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.
- Stir in the dasheen leaves and coconut milk. Cover and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the leaves are completely soft.
- Lift out the scotch bonnet and thyme stems. Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or leave some texture if you prefer.
- Season with the salt and pepper. Reheat gently and serve hot, with dumplings, breadfruit or rice.
Tips
- Raw dasheen leaves can irritate the throat, so cook them fully until they are silky and dark green. If you cannot find them, use spinach or Swiss chard, which need only about 8 minutes of simmering.
- For a thicker, heartier soup, add a small peeled and cubed dasheen or potato with the pumpkin in step 2.
Questions and answers
What is callaloo?
Callaloo is the name of both the leafy greens (dasheen or amaranth leaves, depending on the island) and the soup made from them. In Dominica the soup uses dasheen leaves and coconut milk.
Can I freeze callaloo soup?
Yes, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.
Is callaloo soup spicy?
Only mildly if the scotch bonnet stays whole. Serve pepper sauce on the side for more heat.
How long does it take to make Dominica Callaloo Soup (Creamy Dasheen Leaf Soup)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Dominica Callaloo Soup (Creamy Dasheen Leaf Soup)?
About 195 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 195 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
