Haitian
Haitian Black Bean Soup (Soup Joumou)
Haiti freedom soup — traditionally eaten on January 1st to celebrate independence. Squash-based, slow-cooked with beef, vegetables, and s...
⏱ Prep 30 min 🍳 Cook 90 min 👥 Serves 6 Advanced
Ingredients
Spices & Herbs
♦2 tbsp WOS Green Seasoning
♦2 tbsp WOS All Purpose Seasoning
♦2 tbsp lime juice
♦Salt and pepper to taste
Other
♦1 lb beef chunks (short rib or stew beef)
♦1 small butternut squash (peeled, cubed)
♦2 potatoes (cubed)
♦2 carrots (sliced)
♦2 stalks celery
♦1 cup cabbage (chopped)
♦1 Scotch bonnet (whole, do not pierce)
♦1 onion (quartered)
♦4 cloves garlic
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Marinate beef with Green Seasoning, garlic, lime juice, and All Purpose Seasoning. Rest 1 hour minimum.
2
Brown beef in a large pot over high heat. Remove and set aside.
3
In same pot, add squash with 6 cups water. Boil 20 min until squash is soft.
4
Blend squash with cooking liquid until smooth. Return to pot.
5
Add browned beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and whole Scotch bonnet.
6
Simmer on medium-low 45-60 min until beef is tender.
7
Add cabbage in last 10 min.
8
Remove Scotch bonnet before serving. Taste and adjust salt.
9
Serve with bread or rice.
Flavor Education
Understanding what each spice contributes is the difference between following a recipe and truly cooking.
Epis (Green Seasoning)
Aromatic herb base — garlic, scallion, thyme, pepper
Haitian epis is the foundation of nearly every dish. Marinate proteins in it overnight for authentic depth.
Scotch Bonnet
Fruit-forward heat that defines the flavor profile
Add whole for aroma with moderate heat, or smash for full heat delivery.
Cooking Tips by Skill Level
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Season lightly first — you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Taste at every step and trust your palate.
Build your flavor in layers: bloom your dry spices in oil for 30 seconds before adding liquids to unlock their full depth.
Finish with a hit of acid (lime, lemon, or vinegar) right before serving to brighten and balance the entire dish.
🧂 Spices for This Recipe
These seasonings help you achieve the authentic flavor profile of this dish.
Green Seasoning
In Stock
$11.49
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Haitian Pikliz
caribbean · jerk · pickle · spicy
In Stock
$12.99
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All Purpose Seasoning
In Stock
$8.99
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Caribbean Curry Powder
In Stock
$11.99
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Adobo Seasoning
In Stock
$7.99
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