Soup Joumou Recipe of Haiti | Traditional Haitian Pumpkin Soup

Soup Joumou is more than a dish—it is a symbol of freedom and resilience for the Haitian people. Traditionally served on January 1st to celebrate Haiti’s independence, this hearty soup combines vibrant flavors and rich history in a single bowl.

The origins of Soup Joumou trace back to the era of slavery in Haiti. Enslaved Africans were forbidden from enjoying this luxurious pumpkin-based soup, a delicacy reserved for French colonists. When Haiti declared its independence on January 1, 1804, this soup became a centerpiece of the celebration, representing liberty and equality.

The recipe for Soup Joumou is as diverse as Haiti itself, blending African, French, and Caribbean influences. It starts with tender chunks of marinated beef, simmered to perfection. The heart of the soup is the velvety calabaza squash base, which lends a natural sweetness and creamy texture. A medley of fresh vegetables—carrots, potatoes, cabbage, and turnips—joins pasta and aromatic spices like thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet peppers for a symphony of flavors.

Each family has its own twist on the recipe, making every bowl unique. Whether thick and creamy or light and brothy, Soup Joumou is always a feast of textures and tastes.

Today, Soup Joumou is a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to its cultural significance. Preparing and sharing this soup on New Year’s Day is a cherished tradition in Haitian households worldwide, a delicious reminder of freedom, community, and pride.

Whether you’re Haitian or simply a lover of global cuisine, trying Soup Joumou is an invitation to taste history and savor the spirit of independence.

Soup Joumou is a deeply symbolic and flavorful Haitian dish traditionally served on New Year’s Day to celebrate Haitian independence. Here's how to make it:

Here is another Haitian recipe for you. Hope you will like it :

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Ingredients of Soup Joumou:

For a large pot of soup (serves 6–8):

For the Meat:

• 2 lbs beef (stew beef or bone-in cuts like shank or short ribs)
• 1 lime or lemon (for cleaning the meat)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Haitian epis (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Soup Base:

• 2 lbs calabaza squash (or other pumpkin variety)
• 10 cups water (for boiling the squash and meat)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1 turnip, peeled and diced
• 1 leek, sliced

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, do not pierce it unless you want extra heat)
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 1 tsp turmeric (optional, for extra color)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

• 1 cup rigatoni, penne, or vermicelli

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter or margarine (optional, for a richer flavor)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions of making Soup Joumou:

1. Prepare the Meat:

• Rinse the beef with water and lime juice. Drain well.
• Season with salt, black pepper, garlic, and epis (if using) and  marinate it for at least 30 minutes.

2. Cook the Meat:

• Take a large pot and heat oil over medium heat. Add the beef when the oil is hot  and brown it on all sides.
• Add 6 cups of water, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cook it about 1–1.5 hours or until the meat is tender.

3. Prepare the Squash:

• While the meat cooks, peel and dice the calabaza squash. Add  4 cups of water in it and boil until soft.
• Blend the squash with its boiling water until smooth to create the soup base.

4. Assemble the Soup:

• Add the blended squash to the pot with the cooked beef. Stir well.
• Add potatoes, carrots, onion, bell pepper, celery, cabbage, turnip and leek.
• Stir all in the tomato paste, paprika, parsley and turmeric (if using).

5. Add Pasta and Final Touches:

• Add the pasta and Scotch bonnet pepper to the pot. Simmer about 15–20 minutes or until the pasta and vegetables are tender. 
• Add butter (if using) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serving of Soup Joumou:

• Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving (if left whole, it will have flavored the soup without making it too spicy).
• Serve hot, with fresh bread or rolls on the side.

Enjoy your flavorful and celebratory Soup Joumou! 

Tips for Serving Soup Joumou:

Soup Joumou is a celebration in a bowl, and how you serve it can enhance its enjoyment. Here are some tips to ensure the perfect serving experience:

1. Serve It Hot

Soup Joumou is best enjoyed piping hot to bring out its full flavors. Keep it warm on the stove until it’s time to serve.

2. Use Wide Bowls

Serve the soup in wide, deep bowls to accommodate the hearty chunks of vegetables, meat, and pasta. This also makes it easier for guests to savor every ingredient.

3. Pair with Bread

Traditionally, Soup Joumou is served with fresh bread or rolls, perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth. A crusty baguette or Haitian pain patate (sweet potato bread) works wonderfully.

4. Offer Garnishes

Provide optional garnishes like fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lime to let guests customize their soup.

5. Mind the Scotch Bonnet Pepper

If you’ve added a whole Scotch bonnet pepper for flavor, remove it before serving to avoid accidental bites of intense heat. For spice lovers, you can offer it on the side.

6. Portion Generously

Soup Joumou is a meal in itself. Serve hearty portions to ensure everyone gets a satisfying mix of broth, vegetables, meat, and pasta.

7. Serve with Drinks

Pair the soup with refreshing beverages like limeade, ginger tea, or a light beer to balance its richness.

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Here are some Frenquently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Soup Joumou

FAQ 1 : What is Soup Joumou?

Soup Joumou is a traditional Haitian pumpkin soup made with a rich blend of beef, calabaza squash (or similar pumpkin), pasta, and vegetables, seasoned with spices and herbs. It is a national symbol of Haiti’s independence, traditionally served on January 1st.

FAQ 2 : Why is Soup Joumou important to Haitian culture?

Soup Joumou symbolizes freedom and resilience. During slavery, enslaved Haitians were forbidden from consuming this luxurious dish, reserved for French colonists. After Haiti's independence in 1804, it became a celebratory dish representing liberty and equality.

FAQ 3 : Can I make Soup Joumou vegetarian?

Yes, Soup Joumou can be adapted to a vegetarian or vegan version. You can add more hearty vegetables like mushrooms, chickpeas, or lentils for protein.

FAQ 4 :What kind of pumpkin or squash is best for Soup Joumou?

Calabaza squash is traditional, but other varieties like butternut squash or kabocha squash work well as substitutes. The goal is to use a pumpkin or squash that is sweet and creamy when cooked.

FAQ 5 : How spicy is Soup Joumou?

Soup Joumou is not traditionally very spicy. A Scotch bonnet pepper is often added whole during cooking for flavor, but it is usually removed before serving.

FAQ 6 : Can I use chicken instead of beef?

While beef is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken or other meats, depending on your preference. The cooking time may vary based on the protein you choose.

FAQ 7 : Is Soup Joumou gluten-free?

The soup itself can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta entirely. Double-check that all seasonings and broths used are gluten-free.

FAQ 8 : How long does it take to cook Soup Joumou?

The entire process, including preparing the meat, cooking the squash, and assembling the soup, typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.