Ah, the beloved Haitian Squash Soup, or as we lovingly call it, Soup Joumou! This vibrant dish holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its delightful flavor but also due to the memories it brings back. You see, growing up, Soup Joumou was always a centerpiece during the New Year’s celebrations in my family. The rich aroma of butternut squash mingled with the spices would fill the house, and we’d gather around the kitchen to share stories and laughter. It’s a true labor of love that warms both the body and spirit, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
What I adore most about this dish is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for family on a chilly day or hosting friends for a lively dinner, this soup brings everyone together! Plus, the creamy texture, the hint of lime, and the tender beef make it comforting while still packing a nutritious punch. Are your taste buds tingling yet? Let’s dive into what makes this soup special!
What’s in Haitian Squash Soup?
Let’s break down the ingredients, shall we? Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich flavors and textures that make this soup truly irresistible!
Butternut Squash: The star of the show! This sweet and creamy squash adds a lovely texture and natural sweetness to the soup. Peel it, seed it, and cube it up for maximum goodness.
Olive Oil: We’ll use this to sauté our vegetables. I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but any quality olive oil will do just fine.
Onion: A classic base in so many dishes, the chopped onion provides a savory foundation for our soup. Make sure to sauté until it’s translucent to enhance its sweetness.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic! Just a couple of minced cloves will add a punch of flavor that complements the squash wonderfully.
Carrots and Celery: Added for both nutritional value and texture, these veggies bring a slight sweetness and crunch.
Bell Pepper: You can opt for green or red, depending on your taste preference. It adds vibrant color and freshness to the soup.
Beef: I recommend using shank or stew meat, cut into cubes. The beef gives the soup plenty of heartiness while enriching the broth with its flavor.
Beef or Vegetable Broth: This is the liquid gold that brings everything together. Homemade broth is great, but good quality store-bought works too!
Bay Leaves, Thyme, and Allspice: These aromatic herbs are responsible for all the fragrant magic. They’ll infuse the soup with warmth and depth.
Lime Juice: A dash of lime juice at the end brightens everything up. Don’t skip this step!
Fresh Parsley or Thyme: For garnishing, they add a fresh touch and beautiful presentation—plus, who doesn’t love a pop of green?
Is Haitian Squash Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! Soup Joumou is as nutritious as it is delicious!
Butternut Squash: This squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which help support your immune system and vision. It’s also high in fiber, great for digestion.
Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and peppers contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re fabulous for overall health and well-being.
Beef: When using lean cuts of beef, it’s a great source of protein and iron, essential for your body’s energy levels.
But let’s not forget—the soup does contain salt, so if you’re watching your sodium intake, try using low-sodium broth or adjusting the seasoning to your liking.
Ingredients List
– 2 lbs butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 1 stalk of celery, diced
– 1 bell pepper (green or red), chopped
– 1 lb beef (such as shank or stew meat), cut into cubes
– 8 cups beef or vegetable broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp thyme
– 1 tsp allspice
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
*This recipe serves about 6 hungry souls!*
How to Make Haitian Squash Soup?
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent (about 5 minutes).
2. Add the beef to the pot and brown on all sides. This step is crucial for building flavor, so take your time!
3. Stir in the sliced carrots, diced celery, and chopped bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until everything becomes a little tender.
4. Next, add the cubed butternut squash and pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Make sure all the ingredients are covered by the broth.
5. Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it bubble away for about 45 minutes, or until the beef and squash are fork-tender.
6. Once it’s cooked, remove the bay leaves (trust me on this one!). Use a blender or immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for that creamy texture while leaving some chunky goodness.
7. Stir in the lime juice for a refreshing twist, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. Pair it with crusty bread or some crispy plantains for an authentic touch.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This soup is quite flexible! You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with chickpeas or lentils and using vegetable broth. Add a kick of heat by including some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous!
As for serving—it’s great on its own or paired with a delicious crusty bread or even some fried plantains on the side. It’s a wonderful main course and a fantastic way to impress guests at a dinner party!
I hope you give this delightful recipe a try! There’s nothing quite like the warmth of Haitian Squash Soup, both in taste and in the love that goes into making it. Please share your cooking experience and any special moments this soup brings to your table. Happy cooking!
