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    Haitian Food » Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)

    Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)

    Posted On January 7, 2019 By Mirlene Last updated September 6, 2020 103 Comments

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    Haitian Epis is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers. 

    • Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

    Savory Thoughts: If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you. – Les Brown

    This Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) recipe is bold in flavor, easy to make, and is perfect for classic Haitian dishes!

    • Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

    When it comes to authentic Haitian food recipes, Haitians have a base seasoning that’s usually included in almost all dishes. Haitian Epis or Haitian seasoning, is mostly the same throughout the country. However, additional ingredients are added depending on the region.

    What I like about Haitian Epis or Haitian Seasoning? 

    The seasoning can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator or longer depending on the ingredients that are used. Some people prepare the seasoning then freeze portions of it for later use.  The acid in the seasoning help keep the ingredients from spoiling.

    How do you make Haitian Epis?

    • Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

    You first need the base ingredients. You will need garlic, fresh parsley, assorted bell peppers, green onions, thyme, olive oil, salt and pepper, and Maggie; however, I do not use Maggie. Instead, I used better than bouillon because of the bold flavor. Depending on the person who is preparing the seasoning, sometimes spicy peppers are also added. All of the ingredients are added to a blender and is blended in the form of pesto.

    If you love this Haitian Epis recipe, you’ll love it when preparing the Haitian Tasso, steak bites! Check out the video below to make it. 

    Latest Video: Haitian Tasso

    Did you make this Haitian Epis recipe? Tag me on Instagram or Facebook and please give it a star rating below!

    SAVE THIS HAITIAN EPIS RECIPE TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS!

    • Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

    ALSO, I AM ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES, LET’S CONNECT ON PINTEREST!

    Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

    Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)

    Savory Thoughts
    Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.
    4.99 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Dish, Seasoning Base
    Cuisine Haitian
    Servings 76 Servings
    Calories 29 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup Fresh parsley chopped
    • 10 sprigs Thyme
    • 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
    • 10 Cloves garlic
    • 1 cup Bell peppers and onions
    • 1 cup Green onions
    • 2 tablespoon Basil
    • 2 teaspoon Salt and pepper
    • 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
    • 1 cup Olive oil
    • ⅓ cup Apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup Better bouillon vegetable base paste

    Instructions
     

    • Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend to desired consistency, but not liquify. Blend in the form of pesto.
    • Place in a 16oz jar. Refrigerate for later use. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 76ServingsCalories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 145mgPotassium: 14mgVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1.7mgIron: 0.2mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

    Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)

    Savory Thoughts
    Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.
    4.99 from 52 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main Dish, Seasoning Base
    Cuisine Haitian
    Servings 76 Servings
    Calories 29 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup Fresh parsley chopped
    • 10 sprigs Thyme
    • 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
    • 10 Cloves garlic
    • 1 cup Bell peppers and onions
    • 1 cup Green onions
    • 2 tablespoon Basil
    • 2 teaspoon Salt and pepper
    • 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
    • 1 cup Olive oil
    • ⅓ cup Apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup Better bouillon vegetable base paste

    Instructions
     

    • Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend to desired consistency, but not liquify. Blend in the form of pesto.
    • Place in a 16oz jar. Refrigerate for later use. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 76ServingsCalories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 145mgPotassium: 14mgVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1.7mgIron: 0.2mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine Benoit

      November 24, 2021 at 10:52 pm

      Can I add something other than Boullion? Not a fan since I find it too salty. I soooo want to make this.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 25, 2021 at 12:22 am

        Hi Elaine!!! Absolutely, You can. Add it in moderation – Taste as you go. Please let me know your thoughts when you try it.

        Reply
      • Sila

        February 24, 2022 at 4:53 pm

        5 stars
        Hi, looks delicious. Did you use a mix of green and red bell peppers along with the onions.
        I’m planning to make grilled chicken. Any ideas from you would be great. My family has to have a sauce with any type of meat they eat lol!
        Thanks

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          March 05, 2022 at 3:35 am

          Hi Sila,
          Thank you so much. Yes, you can use mixed bell peppers for this recipe. In terms of greens, it’s best to use fresh herbs. Thanks again.

          Reply
    2. Pepper

      July 13, 2021 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely wonderful. I have a question – it says “Cook Time” 10 minutes. However, I do not see that this is actually cooked. Does that refer to blending time?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 22, 2021 at 12:12 am

        Hi Pepper, Thank you so much for your comment and question. Yes, it is referring to blending time.

        Reply
        • Keisha Washington

          November 07, 2021 at 5:43 pm

          I just want to say this page and your recipes make me smile. So nostalgic and pleasant to feel my culture through your cooking and recipes.

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            November 07, 2021 at 9:37 pm

            Thank you so much, Keisha. Your comment means a lot to us.

            Reply
        • Tiffani

          November 27, 2021 at 8:00 am

          This is one of the best marinades/seasoning bases I have ever used. I make a big batch of it and keep some in the fridge for anything–chicken, seasoning potato wedges, adding citrus and more oil for a dressing…. everything. I will prob try to use this with a grilled shrimp recipe to mix it up. Thank you!!

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            December 20, 2021 at 10:37 pm

            Thank you so much, Tiffani

            Reply
    3. Robin

      May 11, 2021 at 4:58 am

      So you just add the bullion the way it is or do you add water with it?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 11, 2021 at 9:42 am

        No. Just add the bouillon the way it is.

        Reply
    4. Nicole fischer

      May 03, 2021 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this…OMG, it’s my new favorite sauce for EVERYTHING! Thanks for sharing this recipe!!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 03, 2021 at 5:09 pm

        hahah Thank you, Nicole! We are very glad you like it. 🙂

        Reply
        • Shawn

          May 14, 2021 at 10:48 am

          5 stars
          Thank you your recipe
          This is Caribbean Green Seasoning or Sofrito
          For our low sodium family please omit bullion and add more fresh herbs

          Reply
    5. Natasha Hunter

      April 09, 2021 at 11:13 am

      I so cannot wait to try this =:) looks delish.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        April 09, 2021 at 5:14 pm

        Thank you so much! Hope you like it. Please enjoy/1

        Reply
    6. Bina Messenger

      April 05, 2021 at 12:53 pm

      Hi Just found your recipe. What can I use this seasoning base with?

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Islandgirl

        August 19, 2021 at 1:24 am

        Use in a tomato sauce based soup and then add chicken legs and thighs

        Reply
    7. Barb J.

      March 23, 2021 at 1:01 pm

      Good Morning,
      I was wondering what would you add to give it a spicy kick? I’m very excited to try something I’ve never made before. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 23, 2021 at 10:50 pm

        Hi Barb,
        Thank you for your comment. To Make this it spicy or give it a little kick, add scotch bonnet peppers (start with 2), habanero peppers (start with 2), or cayenne peppers (start with 2 tablespoon) to it.

        Reply
        • Barb J.

          March 26, 2021 at 3:23 pm

          Thank you! 😊

          Reply
        • Lindsay

          September 26, 2021 at 6:22 pm

          Hi can I make this for Haitian Spaghetti. I never made it before and wanted to make sure.

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            September 27, 2021 at 1:22 am

            Yes, you can use it to help season your Haitian Spaghetti.

            Reply
            • Lindsay

              October 03, 2021 at 5:32 pm

              Thank you.

    8. Merry

      March 14, 2021 at 9:52 am

      I don’t understand bouillon cubes. Aren’t they a mix of seasonings in themselves? Also they contain MSG which is horrible for hypertension. Is there a substitute?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 14, 2021 at 3:17 pm

        Hi Merry,
        Thank you for reading. Yes, you are absolutely right. They do contain MSG. Depending on the cook’s preference, bouillon cubes are used to make this seasoning. However, WE DO NOT use bouillon cubes because it contain MSG. We recommend better using better than bouillon, vegetable base, as it does not contain MSG, or you may use a vegan bouillon blend.

        Reply
        • Mya

          July 22, 2021 at 12:30 pm

          Hello
          Do I sauté or roast the veggies or do I use raw veggies?

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            July 22, 2021 at 9:17 pm

            No…Simply make the Epis as directed.

            Reply
    9. Naz Sicherman

      March 05, 2021 at 12:58 am

      5 stars
      Wow. The complex flavors in this kept my husband guessing what this was made of. Very tasty!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 05, 2021 at 1:35 am

        By far, my favorite comment. Thank you so much, Naz!

        Reply
    10. Suzie

      February 27, 2021 at 6:17 pm

      Hello. I would like to try this recipe but I am curious about the addition of whole cloves. Do they soften at all or do they remain as little woody bits once you’ve ground everything together?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 27, 2021 at 8:32 pm

        Hi Suzie,
        You will not notice the cloves if blended properly.

        Reply
    11. Jessica

      December 25, 2020 at 2:38 am

      I loved your recipe This is my second time using it and I put my little twist on it and added a little orange and lime this time around but I’m in love and I don’t think I could cook without a jar of epis anymore

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 28, 2020 at 4:36 am

        WOW, Jessica! Thank you very much. This makes me happy to hear. Happy Holidays.

        Reply
        • Karen Baum

          February 11, 2021 at 1:33 am

          I am going to try this tomorrow for new Haitian friends. Are these measurements for herbs fresh or dried? It seems only thyme specified and I dont want to get it wrong!!

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            February 11, 2021 at 2:46 pm

            Hi Karen,
            The measurements are fresh for the herbs. 1/2 cup Fresh parsley, 10 sprigs Thyme, 2 tbsp Basil (you can use fresh or dry for the basil).

            Reply
      • Carla

        January 14, 2021 at 1:09 am

        I have a question would I be able to use palm oil in place of olive oil, or would it ruin the flavor of the epis?

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          January 14, 2021 at 3:13 am

          Hi Carla,
          Thank you for your question. You can use palm oil, but I strongly suggest olive oil as it is a healthier oil to use. Palm oil is a lot greasier than olive oil, which will be noticeable in the Epis. As for taste, it will not be too noticeable unless you use an extreme amount.

          Reply
          • Joanna

            January 14, 2021 at 11:59 pm

            Do I take the stems off of the Thyme before blending?

            Reply
            • Mirlene

              January 15, 2021 at 1:50 am

              Hi Joanna, taking the stems off is not necessary nor will it alter the seasoning.

    12. Jacquelyn

      July 14, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      Just found your recipe for Epis. I’ve made Epis from another recipe and it was okay….but was lacking. Yours looks very robust from the pictures and I look forward to making it. What is the ratio of peppers to onion and salt to pepper? Your recipe says 1 cup pepper and onions – Is that 1 cup each? And the same for salt and pepper is that 2 tsps each?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        July 18, 2020 at 11:01 am

        Hi Jacqelyn, Thank you for your comment. I used the bell pepper and onion mix. Most local grocery stores will carry them and it will be named fajita mix. I used 2 tbsp. salt and 2 tbsp. black pepper. I hope this helps. Please comment back to let me know how the seasoning turned out for you.

        Reply
        • Jennifer

          December 03, 2020 at 12:30 am

          5 stars
          Tbsp or tsp

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            December 03, 2020 at 11:52 am

            If you are using the powdered version, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust the measurements to your tasting as you go along.

            Reply
    13. Simmone

      February 26, 2020 at 1:19 am

      Hi, I’m allergic to apples, so apple cider vinegar will work for me. Could I use lime, lemon, or white vinegar would for the acid levels.

      Also would tomatoes to the blend work as well.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 26, 2020 at 5:08 am

        Hi Simmone,
        yes, you can use distilled or white vinegar as well as lime or lemon juice. No, tomatoes will alter the flavors, it may turn it into a slightly reddish color.

        Reply
    14. Marsha K.

      November 18, 2019 at 6:49 pm

      Can jerk seasoning be used in place of epis?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        November 19, 2019 at 1:42 am

        Please clarify your question.

        Reply
        • Alma

          July 01, 2020 at 1:40 am

          No that is not the same flavor profile. It has several ingredients that are Asian based and has sugar added to it.

          Reply
    15. Novella

      May 05, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      How long will this usually keep in the refrigerator?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        May 06, 2019 at 3:20 am

        The seasoning can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator or longer depending on the ingredients that are used.

        Reply
    16. TB

      March 02, 2019 at 3:32 am

      5 stars
      Just made this. Forget seasoning meats or vegetables – I just wanted to eat it out of the food processor! Thank You, Mirkene – and God Bless You!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        March 03, 2019 at 1:27 am

        Hello TB!
        Thank you very much for your kind words. I am so glad you enjoyed it this much. God Bless You Too! 🙂

        Reply
    17. Deborah Doncses

      February 22, 2019 at 3:12 pm

      If I substitute leeks for scallions, how many leeks would I use for this recipe? Thank you.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 26, 2019 at 9:15 am

        Because of the size of the jar, I would use no more than 2 as you do not want the flavor to be overbearing.

        Reply
        • Jennifer

          December 03, 2020 at 12:07 am

          5 stars
          Hi Mirlene,

          Would using a maggi cube mess up the dish. I love maggi.

          Thank you for your recipes. I miss my grandmothers Haitian food and Haitian food in general, but need recipes.

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            December 03, 2020 at 11:50 am

            Hi Jennifer! Thank you very much for your comment. No, Maggi will not mess up the dish. Since this is a seasoning base, I recommend starting with two cubes as due to the sodium level. You can always add more if needed. It makes me happy to read you like the recipes.

            Reply
      • bettina clermont

        April 22, 2020 at 3:51 pm

        Hi! Can I substitute a vegetable bullion cube for the better than bullion??

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          April 22, 2020 at 6:49 pm

          Yes, Bettina you can as I have done so in the past. Enjoy!

          Reply
    18. Isabella

      January 14, 2019 at 3:17 am

      5 stars
      Love how flavorful this is and it looks AMAZING!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        January 20, 2019 at 1:32 pm

        Thank you, Isabella!

        Reply
    19. April

      January 13, 2019 at 8:47 pm

      5 stars
      I think if we were to talk about the ideal mix – it would 100% be herbs, garlic, olive oil and peppers. I love using vinegar, too. Such a flavor bomb!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        January 20, 2019 at 1:36 pm

        Thank you, April

        Reply
    20. Tessa Simpson

      January 13, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      Man, the flavors in this sound amazing!! What a great way to season So many tings!

      Reply
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