Easy Golden Soup Joumou Recipe That Warms Your Soul

A heartwarming soup joumou carries deep cultural significance for haitian communities, connecting generations through its rich, vibrant flavors.

Memories of resilience and freedom swirl in every spoonful of this legendary dish.

Haitian ancestors crafted this recipe as a symbol of triumph over colonial oppression.

Robust ingredients like butternut squash, beef, and aromatic spices create a truly memorable meal.

Each carefully chopped vegetable tells a story of heritage and strength.

Comfort and tradition merge seamlessly in this soul-warming preparation.

You’ll find yourself transported to caribbean kitchens with just one taste.

Embrace this culinary journey and let the soup’s warmth nourish both body and spirit.

Haitian Pumpkin Soup That’s Traditional, Bold, and Comforting

• Craft a Cultural Celebration: Dive into a heartwarming Haitian tradition that brings families together through a vibrant, soul-nourishing soup packed with rich history and flavor.
• Embrace Nutritional Powerhouse: Loaded with tender beef, vitamin-packed squash, and a variety of vegetables, this soup delivers a wholesome meal that supports overall wellness and satisfies hungry appetites.
• Master Flexible Cooking: Perfect for meal preppers and busy home cooks, this recipe allows advanced marinating, adaptable vegetable choices, and simple cooking techniques that anyone can master with minimal kitchen skills.
• Comfort in Every Spoonful: Warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that feels like a comforting hug on a chilly day.

Haitian Soup Joumou (Pumpkin Soup) Ingredients

• Beef: Marinated and tenderized meat for rich flavor.
• Marrow Bones: Adds depth and richness to the soup.

• Kabocha Squash: Sweet and creamy base for the soup.
• Potatoes, Carrots, Celery, Turnip: Hearty vegetables for texture and nutrition.
• Cabbage: Adds crisp texture to the final dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Green Onions, Garlic, Parsley: Flavor foundation for the soup.
• Thyme: Provides classic herbal undertones.

• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy marinade and finishing touch.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend marinade and add smoothness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Water: Essential cooking liquid.
• Bouillon: Adds extra depth of flavor.

• Scotch Bonnet Pepper (Optional): Brings heat and Caribbean flair.

• Pasta: Adds body and makes the soup more substantial.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Soup Joumou

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Clean and marinate beef by coating with lime juice. Let it sit for a short time, then rinse thoroughly. This initial step helps tenderize and clean the meat, removing any unwanted flavors.

Step 2: Create a Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Onion
• Bell pepper
• Green onions
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Water

Pour the marinade over the beef, add your favorite spices, and mix well. Let the meat soak up all the delicious flavors by refrigerating for several hours or overnight.

Step 3: Cook and Transform the Squash

Wash and slice kabocha squash, removing seeds. Place marinated beef in a large pot, add squash wedges, and pour water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until squash becomes tender. Remove squash, let it cool, and scrape out the flesh. Blend with water until smooth and creamy. Return the puree to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 4: Build the Soup’s Foundation

• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery
• Turnip
• Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)

Pour in additional water, sprinkle bouillon and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally and season with remaining lime juice and salt.

Step 5: Final Touches

Toss in cabbage and pasta, cooking until pasta reaches your preferred texture. Remove from heat and serve with crusty bread. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this traditional Haitian soup!

Joumou Soup Tips for a True Haitian Celebration

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the beef soak in the marinade overnight to enhance depth and tenderness, allowing spices to fully penetrate the meat.

Squash Selection Matters: Choose a ripe kabocha squash with deep orange color and firm texture for the richest, most authentic pumpkin flavor in the soup.

Adjust Spice Levels Smartly: Carefully handle the Scotch bonnet pepper – use gloves and remove seeds to control heat, or substitute with milder peppers for sensitive palates.

Texture Perfection Technique: Blend squash thoroughly to achieve a silky, smooth consistency that defines this traditional Haitian soup’s signature texture.

Broth Building Secret: Use homemade or high-quality beef bouillon to elevate the soup’s overall flavor profile, creating a more robust and authentic taste experience.

Store Haitian Pumpkin Soup the Right Way

• Transfer soup to airtight containers, cool completely before sealing, and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep soup surface covered to prevent skin formation.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
• Place soup in microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan, add splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Simmer gently until heated through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Adjust seasoning if required.

Haitian Pumpkin Soup Matches

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the soup's rich, hearty flavors and cut through its creamy texture.
• Bread Companion Selection: Choose rustic, crusty French baguette or Haitian pain patate to soak up the soup's delicious broth and add delightful textural contrast.
• Refreshing Side Drink: Serve fresh lime-infused water or a light Caribbean-style rum punch to enhance the soup's vibrant, zesty profile and provide a cooling balance.
• Complementary Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top to brighten the soup's deep flavors and add a fresh, aromatic finishing touch.

Soup Joumou Holiday Variants

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace beef with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same spice blend for rich flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef-based bouillon to maintain authentic taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Harmony: Swap regular pasta with quinoa or rice noodles. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially bouillon and seasonings.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes and pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use extra squash to increase volume and maintain soup's heartiness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Already dairy-free, this recipe naturally suits those avoiding milk products. Add nutritional yeast for extra depth and cheesy undertone without compromising traditional Haitian recipe elements.

FAQs

• What is the significance of lime juice in this recipe?

Lime juice helps tenderize the beef and adds a bright, acidic flavor. It’s used both in marinating the meat and as a final seasoning to enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Can I substitute kabocha squash with another type of squash?

Yes, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin as alternatives. These squashes have similar texture and sweetness that work well in Soup Joumou.

• Is Scotch bonnet pepper necessary for the recipe?

The Scotch bonnet pepper is optional but adds authentic Haitian heat and flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit it or use a milder pepper like jalapeño.

• What makes this soup different from other vegetable soups?

Soup Joumou has deep historical roots in Haitian culture, symbolizing freedom from slavery. It’s traditionally prepared on Haitian Independence Day and represents resilience and celebration.

Soup Joumou Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Haitian soup joumou celebrates freedom and resilience, blending Caribbean pumpkin with hearty beef and aromatic spices. Generations of tradition simmer in this soul-warming dish that connects you to Haiti’s powerful culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 pound beef marrow bones

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 5 green onions, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled and base removed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon water

Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Squash and Liquids:

• 2 pounds kabocha squash
• 6 cups water (for cooking squash)
• 2 cups water (for pureeing)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 3 medium potatoes, diced large
• 3 medium carrots, chopped
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium turnip, diced
• 1 whole green Scotch bonnet pepper (optional, left whole)
• 2 tablespoons beef Better Than Bouillon (or 2 beef bouillon cubes)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with butchers twine
• 4 cups water

Final Additions:

• 1 small Savoy cabbage, chopped into ribbons
• 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditali or anellini)

Marinade Liquid:

• 6 tablespoons fresh lime

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Instructions

1. Marinate the beef by coating it with lime juice in a large bowl, allowing it to rest for a quarter-hour. Thoroughly rinse the meat and marrow bones to remove excess acid.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending aromatic ingredients like onion, bell pepper, green onions, garlic, parsley, olive oil, and water until achieving a smooth consistency. Generously coat the beef with this mixture, incorporating spices and ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Prepare the kabocha squash by carefully washing and slicing, removing seeds. Transfer the marinated beef and bones to a large pot, strategically placing squash wedges on top. Pour water to create a flavorful liquid base. Simmer until squash becomes tender, then carefully extract and cool. Scoop out the flesh and transform into a silky purée by blending with additional water. Reintegrate the smooth squash mixture back into the pot.
4. Introduce a medley of root vegetables including potatoes, carrots, celery, and turnip. For those seeking heat, incorporate a Scotch bonnet pepper. Supplement with bouillon and thyme, creating a robust broth. Allow the mixture to boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Periodically stir and adjust seasoning with remaining lime juice and salt.
5. Incorporate cabbage and pasta during the final cooking stage, monitoring pasta texture until perfectly cooked. Remove from heat and present this traditional Haitian dish alongside crusty bread for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating beef overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Adjust heat levels with Scotch bonnet pepper, removing seeds for milder taste or adding more for extra spiciness.
• Substitute kabocha squash with butternut or pumpkin if unavailable, maintaining similar creamy consistency.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing beef with additional root vegetables and using vegetable broth instead of meat-based bouillon.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Haitian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg