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    Haitian Food » Haitian Lalo

    Haitian Lalo

    Posted On February 8, 2021 By Mirlene Last updated May 4, 2021 25 Comments

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    Haitian Lalo Pinterest Pin

    Haitian Lalo is a mouthwatering, savory, stew made with Jute leaves and spinach. It is the perfect vegan make-ahead meal that’s beyond flavorful!

    • closeup Lalo stew in white bowl

    Our easy recipe for Lalo or jute leaves, prepared in the instant pot, and cooks in about 45 minutes.

    Because it is even better the next day or two, it is the meal to have for meatless Mondays. I highly recommend making a big batch to freeze for later!

    What are Jute Leaves?

    Jute, also refers to as Corchorus olitorius, saluyot, ewedu or of course Lalo in Haiti, are not common to most people but is well known in Asia, parts of Africa, and the Middle East.

    The leaves are very flavorful and tender once cooked properly. 

    Lalo is different from the Caribean Callaloo stew. The leaves that are used to prepare Jamaican Callaloo or Caribbean Callaloo is known as Amaranthus Viridi. Similar to jute leaves, Jamaican Callaloo is similar to spinach but has a stronger flavor.

    • Haitian Lalo in white bowl

    Jute Leaves Benefits

    When the weather outside gets cold and chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a stew or soup heating up in the kitchen. 

    While chicken tomato soup is as comforting, it doesn’t get any better than this Haitian Lalo stew served on a bed of white rice. 

    As the mouth-watering scent from the instant pot fills your home, consider the following benefits jute leaves also contain. 

    • Protein, 
    • Thiamine 
    • Vitamin A, C and E 
    • Iron,
    • Riboflavin
    • Niacin
    • Folate 

    Ingredients used in Making Haitian Lalo?

    Jute Leaves: 1 box (7 oz.) Mulukia Leaes. Washed three times to cut down on the bitterness of the leaves. 

    • Ingredients listed on a blackboard

    Spinach: I use 1 bag of spinach. You can use fresh or frozen spinach. 

    Tomato paste, Garlic, salt and pepper, better than bouillon and Haitian Epis to season the dish. 

    Oil and water: Use it to sauté the onions first. Then cooked to finished the stew for extra body and richness. You may use olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or grapeseed oil. You may also use broth. 

    Fresh lemon juice: The juice will help provide an acidic flavor to the dish. 

    Habanero pepper: The pepper will add a subtle heat, and will make all the flavors pop!

     Do not squeeze the pepper in the stew as it will make it spicy. The pepper is used as a seasoning base, but it is completely optional. 

    How To Make The Stew

    Haitian Lalo has a reputation for being a labor-intensive dish. But if you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this Lalo recipe is simpler than a traditional one, and the results are just as flavorful. Here’s how it goes:

    First, sauté the onions and garlic. In a traditional Lalo recipe, you would brown and cook the meat first. However, this vegan version skips this step entirely, but is optional to add if you’d like. 

    • onion in instant pot cooking

    In our recipe, I streamline this process. You’ll sauté the onions and garlic. Cook them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the vegetables soften and the garlic starts to brown.

    Add the tomato paste. Stir in the tomato paste. Use a the spoon to breakdown the paste. Add the jute leaves, stir. Next add in the spinach in batches. Add each batch as the spinach starts to wilt.

    Once all of the spinach is added, add in the water. 

    • lalo and spinach topped with epis

    Season the stew.  Season with salt, pepper, epis, lemon juice, and better than bouillon vegetable base. 

    Finally, cook and enjoy! Once all of the ingredients are added. Give it a quick stir. Cover with the instant pot lid. Pressure cook on high for 45 minutes. 

    • Jute leaves in instant pot

    Serve over a bed of white rice or rice and beans. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. We like it best on days 2 and 3, as the flavors have had more time to develop. 

    • Cooked Lalo / jute leaves in instant pot

    Lalo Recipe Serving Suggestions

    My favorite way to enjoy Lalo as mentioned above is over a bed of white rice. Here are a few more delicious ways to serve it:

    • Top it over Mais Moulin (Haitian Cornmeal).
    • Spoon it over this air fryer plantains. 
    • Serve it with Yams.
    • Serve with boiled dumplings.
    • Serve it with bread.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What do jute leaves taste like?

    Jute leaves are best compared to spinach with a slippery texture. Once cooked, it becomes slimy and is also used a thickening agent.

    Where to buy jute leaves?

    You can purchase jute leaves on amazon, or at most international store. Look for Mulukhiyah Leaves, ewedu leaves, jute mallow, or Corchorus olitorius.

    How long does Lalo last in the fridge? 

    Haitian Lalo will last up to 4 days in an air tight container.

    Why do I need to wash the jute leaves?

    Jute leaves can be very bitter. Washing the jute leaves will cut down on the bitterness of the leaves, and the natural flavor of the leaves will marry well with the spices that are added to create the Lalo dish.

    Favorite Instant Pot Recipes

    If you love this pressure-cooked Haitian Lalo recipe, try one of these other instant pot dishes next:

    1. Haitian Legume recipe
    2. Instant Pot Cabbage Soup recipe
    3. Instant Pot Cabbage 
    4. Mashed Cauliflower Instant Pot Recipe

    We would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    • cooked Jute leaves in bowl

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    Haitian Lalo in white bowl

    Haitian Lalo Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    Haitian Lalo is a mouthwatering, savory, stew made with Jute leaves and spinach. It is the perfect vegan make-ahead meal that’s beyond flavorful!
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Caribbean, Haitian
    Servings 8 People
    Calories 259 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
    • 1 Small White Or Yellow Onion Chopped
    • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced
    • 6 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
    • 1 Box Mulukia Leaves Or Jute leaves (7 oz.); Washed three times
    • 1 Bag Baby Spinach 6 oz.
    • 1 Cup Haitian Epis
    • 3 Tsp. Kosher Salt Or salt to taste
    • 3 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper Or to taste
    • 1 Tbsp. Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Paste
    • Juice From 1 Lemon
    • 4 Cups Water Vegetable broth will also work
    • 1 Habanero Peppers Optional. Leave the pepper whole, or use scotch bonnet pepper.

    Instructions
     

    • Place the jute leaves in a colander and wash the jute leaves 3 times to cut down on the bitterness of the leaves. Set asdie.
      On the instant pot, click on Sautee and set the time to 30 minutes.
      Add the olive oil. When heated, add the onions and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes; stirring constantly. Then add the tomato paste. Continue to stir to dissolve the paste.
      onion in instant pot cooking
    • Alternatively add the jute leaves and spinach, stirring in between each batch. Then add the Epis, salt, ground pepper, Better Than Bouillon Vegetable Paste, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
      Jute leaves in instant pot
    • Add the water or broth. Then add in the Habanero Pepper; leaving the pepper whole.
      Click on cancel. Cover the instant pot with the lid. Turn the knob to "sealing" then click on "pressure cook" and adjust the time for 50 minutes.
      Quick release. Stir. Taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Then serve warm over white rice and enjoy!
      Cooked Lalo / jute leaves in instant pot

    Video

    Notes

    When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera icon so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).
    Calories are estimated per serving. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8PeopleCalories: 259kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 8gFat: 16gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 1248mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 22IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 5mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lima Ekram

      February 23, 2021 at 4:01 am

      5 stars
      How unique! I’ve never heard of cooking with jute before! Must try!!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 23, 2021 at 4:36 am

        It’s very healthy. I hope you get a chance to try it.

        Reply
    2. Jo

      February 23, 2021 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      Thank you for this great recipe! So easy and yet fragrant and satisfying!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 23, 2021 at 4:36 am

        So glad you liked it.

        Reply
        • Stephanie

          August 08, 2022 at 10:20 am

          Hi Mirlene, I would like to make this for the 1st time but I want to add pork. How would you season the pork legs when boiling them prior to making the lalo? (I thought I’d use the legs and pull all the meat, or would it be better to use something else?)

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            August 08, 2022 at 3:09 pm

            Hi Stephanie, Thank you so much for your question. To be honest, I have not cooked pork in years. However, I would suggest you clean and season the pork. Let it marinate and cook the pork in a separate pan (be sure to add the marinating juice for additional flavor :)). Cook the Lalo as instructed. Next, transfer the Lolo in a large pot and add the meat. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes over medium low heat to allow the flavors to combine. The instant pot is not large enough to house the meat the vegetables. I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any other question. Have a great day!

            Reply
    3. Wanda

      February 23, 2021 at 2:44 am

      5 stars
      This looks amazing and I’d love to try it. Wondering where I would find jute leaves?

      Reply
      • Camille Mseikeh

        August 15, 2021 at 5:02 pm

        For years I was looking for a good recipe for lalo.

        Thank you so much… this is awesome.

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          August 15, 2021 at 6:34 pm

          Thank you, Camille. We are very glad to hear that.

          Reply
    4. cyndy

      February 23, 2021 at 2:13 am

      5 stars
      Lovely vegetarian recipe to add to my rotation. Thanks for the detailed instructions and photo, as well as where to buy the Jute leaves!

      Reply
    5. Katherine

      February 09, 2021 at 6:54 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow! I need to get hold of some jute leaves and try this out.

      Reply
      • Saif

        February 23, 2021 at 1:15 am

        5 stars
        This Jute leave stew dish looks delicious. It reminds me the Egyptian jute leaves soup dish called Molokhia.

        Reply
        • Mirlene

          February 23, 2021 at 4:37 am

          WOW! Thank you very much, Saif.

          Reply
    6. Jessica Formicola

      February 09, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      I love that this is both vegan and can be made ahead! I can’t wait to try it soon!

      Reply
    7. Jess

      February 09, 2021 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      Is there anything the Instant Pot cannot do?! This is awesome!

      Reply
    8. Jacque H.

      February 09, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      This looks healthy, delicious, and full of flavor! It is freezing in the mid-west this week and I have been looking for a delicious soup to make. I have found it!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 09, 2021 at 5:58 pm

        I am very happy to hear that, Jacque!

        Reply
    9. Beth

      February 09, 2021 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is delicious for meatless Monday. We have been eating less meat and I’ve been looking for IP recipes so this is perfect timing. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 09, 2021 at 5:55 pm

        Thank you, Beth!

        Reply
    10. Michelle Blackwood

      February 08, 2021 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      I’m so intrigued by this recipe, I want to grow jute leaves so that I make it.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 08, 2021 at 4:45 pm

        You’ll love it Michelle. I hope you get a chance to grow it. Thank you!

        Reply
        • G

          April 24, 2022 at 1:42 am

          Great recipe!! Wondering if it will do well in the freezer (?)

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            April 28, 2022 at 1:10 pm

            Yes, you can freeze it. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

            Reply
        • Gaelle

          April 24, 2022 at 1:43 am

          5 stars
          Great recipe!!

          Reply
          • Mirlene

            April 28, 2022 at 1:09 pm

            Thank you so much Gaelle!

            Reply

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