Soup Joumou (Haitian Pumpkin Soup)
Local name: Soup joumou
In short: Haitian squash soup with beef, vegetables, pasta and a whole scotch bonnet, blended partly smooth into a thick orange broth for New Year's Day. It takes about 2 h 30 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 1 h 50 min
- Total
- 2 h 30 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 295 kcal
Soup joumou is the squash soup Haitian families eat on New Year's Day, which is also Haiti's Independence Day. Beef, squash and a pile of vegetables cook together, then part of the squash is blended back into the broth, so the soup turns thick and bright orange. Pasta, cloves and a whole scotch bonnet pepper finish it. Many households make a huge pot and share bowls with neighbors.
Instructions
- Blend the scallions, garlic, parsley, thyme, lime juice and salt to a rough paste. Toss with the beef and leave for 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot and brown the beef in two batches for 5 minutes each. Return all the beef to the pot and add the water.
- Bring to a boil, skim off the foam, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the squash and simmer for 20 minutes more, until the squash is very soft.
- Lift out about two thirds of the squash with a slotted spoon. Blend it with 500 ml (2 cups) of broth until smooth, and stir the puree back into the pot.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, turnip, celery, cabbage, cloves and the whole scotch bonnet. Simmer for 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the pasta, salt and pepper and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the soup is thick. Add hot water if it gets too thick.
- Remove the scotch bonnet carefully without breaking it. Taste for salt and serve hot, with bread on the side.
Tips
- Butternut squash is a good substitute for the calabaza if you cannot find it. Choose a firm, deeply colored squash for the best flavor and color.
- The soup thickens as it stands and the pasta keeps absorbing broth, so add hot water when reheating. Cook the pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers.
Questions and answers
Can I freeze soup joumou?
Yes, for up to 3 months, but it is better to freeze it without the pasta. Thaw overnight, reheat gently, and add freshly cooked pasta.
Is soup joumou spicy?
Not very. The whole scotch bonnet gives fragrance and only a mild heat as long as it stays intact. Serve hot sauce or pikliz on the side for anyone who wants more.
Can I make soup joumou without beef?
Yes. Use more vegetables and a few handfuls of cooked beans, and add a little more oil and herbs at the start. The soup will be lighter but still rich with squash.
How long does it take to make Soup Joumou (Haitian Pumpkin Soup)?
About 2 h 30 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 1 h 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Soup Joumou (Haitian Pumpkin Soup)?
About 295 kcal per serving, with 19 g of protein, 34 g of carbohydrates and 9 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 295 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
