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.
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!
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?
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
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Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley chopped
- 10 sprigs Thyme
- 1 tbsp Whole Cloves
- 10 Cloves garlic
- 1 cup Bell peppers and onions
- 1 cup Green onions
- 2 tbsp Basil
- 2 Tsp Salt and pepper
- 2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 cup Olive oil
- 1/3 cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 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.
Simmone
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.
Mirlene
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.
Marsha K.
Can jerk seasoning be used in place of epis?
Mirlene
Please clarify your question.
Novella
How long will this usually keep in the refrigerator?
Mirlene
The seasoning can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator or longer depending on the ingredients that are used.
TB
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!
Mirlene
Hello TB!
Thank you very much for your kind words. I am so glad you enjoyed it this much. God Bless You Too! 🙂
Deborah Doncses
If I substitute leeks for scallions, how many leeks would I use for this recipe? Thank you.
Mirlene
Because of the size of the jar, I would use no more than 2 as you do not want the flavor to be overbearing.
bettina clermont
Hi! Can I substitute a vegetable bullion cube for the better than bullion??
Mirlene
Yes, Bettina you can as I have done so in the past. Enjoy!
Isabella
Love how flavorful this is and it looks AMAZING!
MDesir
Thank you, Isabella!
April
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!
MDesir
Thank you, April
Tessa Simpson
Man, the flavors in this sound amazing!! What a great way to season So many tings!
Linda
You just made me travel to another part of the world with this seasoning base. I love learning what other regions are making and this needs to happen soon
MDesir
Awww thank you, Linda! It’s a time saver with this seasoning.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
I love the sound of the vinegar, cloves, green onion, and basil combo! This sounds very delicious and would be great with meats or veggies!
MDesir
YES, absolutely!
Jori
Thank you for this introduction to Haitian food. I’m quite unfamiliar so am super excited to learn about it!
MDesir
You are very welcome and thank you for reading!
Megan Stevens
Wow, your photos are inspiring: This looks SOO delicious! What a great tool for making yummy dinners! Can’t wait to try it!
MDesir
You are too kind, Megan! Thank you very much.
Jacqueline Debono
Love all the flavours in this Haitian seasoning! I can imagine how it would really take meat dishes to another level!
MDesir
It’s wonderful with meat and fish.
candiss
I can imagine so many delicious uses of this Haitian Epis outside of just traditional Hatian food. It sounds wonderfully complex and delicious!
MDesir
Good, Candiss. I am very glad to hear that.
Kelly Anthony
I’m not super familiar with Haitian food the flavors in this seasoning sound amazing! I’m sure this would add some serious depth to any dish.
Lathiya
This Haitian Epis looks awesome…I love the flavors went into this seasoning…looks I have to give this a try
CHIHYU
The seasoning base is so gorgeous! I love the color and the flavor, too!
MDesir
Thank you!
Jeannette (Jay Joy)
UGH! I am looking for a seasoning to make with ingredients I can get in my country, Tonga. It’s really hard to find one. This Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) recipe looks so good, can I do it without the whole cloves and better than bouillon?
MDesir
Yes, you can definitely make it without the whole cloves and better than bouillon. The beauty about this seasoning is that you can include any ingredients to make it as tasty as you wish. Please enjoy!
STACEY CRAWFORD
Wow, I can’t wait to try this! I have not had this before and it looks delicious!
kelly
This is my kind of seasoning. What great spices and flavor!
Carmen Berry
Wow, I love the variety of colors in flavors in this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
MDesir
Thank you, Carmen!
Jean
Wow, just looking at the colors and ingredients I can tell how flavor this sauce is! I don’t think I’ve ever tried Haitian Epis before but now I’m dying to.
MDesir
It’s really good! Thank you, Jean!
Joni Gomes
Looks absolutely delicious!! I love the photography too!
MDesir
Thank you, Joni!
Stine Mari
This is great! Such a fabulous blend of spices and flavors. I haven’t heard about it before, but now I’m looking forward to making it in a Haitian recipe soon!
MDesir
Thank you, Marie!
Jere Cassidy
I love everything about this seasoning, the spices, and the colors. I need to try this as we always want to season our food up in different ways.
MDesir
Thank you, Jere!
Raia
Oh my goodness! I’ve never heard of Epis before, but I love everything in this recipe! It sounds SO good!
MDesir
Thank you, Raia!
Gloria
OMG I am printing this out RIGHT NOW. I will get the ingredients when I go grocery shopping and give this a try. What a great recipe. Can’t wait to give it a try. I know it will be delicious.
MDesir
Thank you very much, Gloria! Please Enjoy.
Danielle Wolter
OMG does this look incredible. SO many delicious flavors. I use the better than bouillon a lot too – it has such a great flavor!
MDesir
Yes! I agree. Thank you!
Rosemary
For the basil, do you mean fresh basil leaves or dried basil flakes ?
Mirlene
For this recipe, I used dried basil as described in the ingredients section. However, fresh basil will work even better.