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Soup Joumou (Haitian Pumpkin Soup) Recipe

Soup Joumou (Haitian Pumpkin Soup) Recipe


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Soup Joumou is a traditional Haitian pumpkin soup filled with beef, kabocha squash, fresh vegetables, and spices. Traditionally enjoyed on Haiti’s Independence Day, it’s a delicious and hearty soup with a touch of heat, perfect for warming up any time of year. This soulful, flavorful soup represents resilience and the rich heritage of Haitian cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Beef Prep
    • 1 lb beef stew meat
    • 1 lb beef marrow bones
    • 6 Tbsp fresh lime juice (divided)
  • Marinade
    • 1 medium onion, chopped
    • ½ green bell pepper, chopped
    • 5 green onions, chopped
    • 5 cloves garlic, peeled and base removed
    • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
    • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
    • 1 Tbsp water
  • Spices
    • ½ tsp ground black pepper
    • ½ tsp ground white pepper
    • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Squash
    • 2 lb kabocha squash
    • 6 cups water (for cooking squash)
    • 2 cups water (for puréeing)
  • Vegetables
    • 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 Tbsp beef Better Than Bouillon (or 2 beef bouillon cubes)
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, tied with butcher’s twine
    • 4 cups water
  • Final Additions
    • 1 small Savoy cabbage, chopped into ribbons
    • ½ cup small pasta (like ditali or anellini)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef : Place the beef and marrow bones in a large bowl, coat with 3 Tbsp lime juice, and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse well.

Make the Marinade:  In a blender or food processor, blend onion, bell pepper, green onions, garlic, parsley, olive oil, kosher salt, and water until smooth. Pour the marinade over the beef and bones, add spices, and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

Cook and Purée the Squash : Wash and slice the kabocha squash, removing seeds. Place the marinated beef and bones in a large pot, add squash wedges on top, and pour in 6 cups of water. Boil, then simmer until squash is tender. Remove squash, allow it to cool, and scrape out the flesh. Blend with 2 cups of water until smooth. Return the purée to the pot and stir.

Add Vegetables:  Add potatoes, carrots, celery, turnip, and Scotch bonnet pepper (optional) to the pot. Pour in 4 more cups of water, add bouillon and thyme, and stir. Boil, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with remaining lime juice and salt.

Final Additions : Add cabbage and pasta, cooking until pasta reaches your desired texture. Remove from heat and serve with bread.

Notes

This soup is flexible—add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. For a gluten-free version, skip the pasta. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if needed. Omit the Scotch bonnet pepper for a milder flavor.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Haitian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 242kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 537mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.4g
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 23mg