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    Haitian Food » Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash Soup)

    Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash Soup)

    Posted On December 24, 2020 By Mirlene Last updated April 11, 2022 16 Comments

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    Soup Joumou pinterest pin with white reds on red block

    Soup Joumou is served every year on the 1st of January as the Haitian nation celebrate its Independence. It is one of the most savored food as it is a rarity.

     
    half Soup Joumou in white bowl

    Deliciously prepared to ones taste but the base is squash.

    Extremely filling, but yet the enjoyment of the sensational flavors with the proudness of freedom make this dish a unique experience that one must share.  

    Soup Joumou - Haitian Squash Soup-Savory Thoughts in a dutch oven

    Why Soup Joumou Is So Special

    The number one and main reason that makes this soup so special to Haitians, is that, it is a reminder of their struggles and victory. During slavery, Haitian slaves were not allowed to enjoy this soup as it was only to be prepared for the slave masters.

    Side overhead view of the soup in white bowl

    Therefore, on January 1, 1804, Haiti’s Independence Day, the newly freed Haitians celebrated their freedom with SOUP JOUMOU (HAITIAN SQUASH SOUP)!

    No matter where you are in the world, if you are Haitian or Haitian descendant, you are most likely celebrating the New Year with a bowl of Soup Joumou. 

    It is said you cannot make soup Joumou without love, patience, and a smile on your face. 

    What makes Soup Joumou different from regular squash soup

    Haitian Soup Joumou is rich and hearty. It is not as thick as the traditional squash soup you will find in most places. 

    It is filled with vegetables, as we call it viv. It is hearty and meaty. It is the type of soup that literally fills you up all day.

    Soup Joumou - Haitian Squash Soup - vegetables added- Savory Thoughts.

    It is starchy but yet healthy. It is savory and sometimes made with a hint of sweetness depending on the individual who is making it.

    It is often accompanied with bread or dinner rolls. 

    It is made in abundance!

    It is our beloved and most delicious soup for many reasons. For example, to make soup joumou, the meat is marinated overnight (or two). Traditionally, a combination of the following meat is included: beef, chicken, goat meat, and pork meat. 

    Growing up, I remembered my family would start to make this soup shortly after midnight. Usually after midnight mass or prayer. 

    My best memories growing up while my family made this soup was the laughter in the kitchen as all the women gathered together to make this dish.

    Thankfully, the same feeling followed me in the States as well, when my mother and her family would make the soup. 

    Preparing For The Soup

    Authentic Soup Joumou is made in sections or stages. First, the meat will be marinated. The chores will be divided among the women.

    For example, one person is in charge of peeling the vegetables; from cabbage to the malanga, scallions or green onion, peppers, carrots, potatoes, and so on.

    The list goes on depending on your taste buds and the cook’s preference. Another person is entrusted of making sure that the liquid is not too low while the meat cooks. Finally, the last person is entrusted of making sure the vegetables are included in the proper order. 

    soup in white bowl on wooden cutting board

    The aroma from the meat alone while boiling is enough to make you hungry. Authentic Soup Joumou takes HOURS to prepare. As stated, a lot of patience is required. A lot of love is poured into this soup EACH YEAR. 

    The soup is finished with pasta: spaghetti or macaroni noodles. I personally do not like it with spaghetti. I prefer it with macaroni noodles. 

    Once everything is combined, the slow cooking process begins overnight so it can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch and lunch. 

    Most large families often begin their day by having the soup at home. Then most likely one or two things will happen. A family may entertain guests for more soup or travel to visit family members to enjoy more soup. 

    This soup brings EVERYONE together. 

    It is truly our most loved dish. Majority of Haitians do not eat this soup until January 1st as it can be pricey to prepare.   

    How To Make Haitian Squash Soup In the Instant Pot

    We suggest using a good quality beef such as the Angus Ribeye Steak.

    soup step by step photo guide

    The spices and allowing the meat to marinate will make a whole world of difference.

    step by step guide to making the soup
    step by step photo guide
    vstep by step photo guide
    step by step photo guide
    step by step photo guide

    Stove Top Soup Joumou Cooking Tips

    When making this soup, I highly recommend marinating the meat the night before. Do not dispose the seasoning mixture. Everything is added to the soup for extra flavor. 

    overhead closeup view of the soup

    Bouillon cubes are also common when making this soup. However, it is not included in this recipe. 

    MORE HAITIAN RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY

    If you made Haitian Soup, try the Haitian Vegan Soup Joumou next, then try one of these recipes next:

    Haitian Chicken Tacos

    Haitian Tasso 

    Haitian Black Rice

    Haitian Red Snapper

    Haitian Poulet En Sauce

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

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    side view of soup joumou

    Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash Soup) Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash Soup) is served every year on the 1st of January as the Haitian nation celebrate its Independence. It is one of the most savored food as it is a rarity. Deliciously prepared to ones taste but the base is squash. Extremely filling, but yet the enjoyment of the sensational flavors with the proudness of freedom make this dish a unique experience that one must share.  
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 45 minutes mins
    Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Haitian
    Servings 8 People
    Calories 327 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Stovetop Soup Joumou

    • 1 Butternut squash about 2 ½ – 3 lbs.
    • 3 cups Macaroni
    • 1 lb. Beef cubes
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger chopped
    • 1 lb. Fresh vegetable 8 blend
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 Garlic cloves
    • Juice from 2 lemons or limes
    • 1 teaspoon Garden sage fresh and chopped
    • 3 cups Shredded cabbage
    • 1 tablespoon Better than bouillon vegetable paste
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon Fresh parsley
    • 10 cups Water plus extra for cooking
    • 2 cups Vegetable broth

    Instant Pot Soup Joumou Ingredients To Marinate The Meat

    • 2 Lbs. Angus Beef
    • 1 Cup Haitian Epis
    • 2 Tbsp. Ground Fresh Ginger
    • 2 Tsp. Kosher Salt
    • 2 Tsp. Black Pepper
    • 2 Tsp. Ground Cloves

    Instant Pot Soup Ingredients

    • 1 Large Butternut Squash about 2 ½ – 3 lbs.
    • 1 Tsp. Kosher Salt
    • 2 Rosemary Sprigs
    • 5 Thyme Sprigs
    • 1 ½ Tsp. Allspice
    • Fresh Sage about 3 leaves
    • 3 Large Carrots Peels
    • 1 Small Cabbage about 1 ½ lbs.
    • 1 Box Penne Pasta or about 3 cups of pasta
    • 2 Large Fresh Lemon
    • 2 Tbsp. Better Than Bouillon Paste Vegetable paste
    • 8 Cups Water

    Instructions
     

    Stovetop Instructions

    • In a medium-size bowl, season the meat with salt and pepper, garlic, sage, 1 lemon or lime juice, and parsley.
      Ingredients
    • Marinate for 6-8 hours or overnight. 
      meat in a bowl with seasoning marinating
    • Transfer the meat with the marinating liquid to a 5-quart dutch oven, or deep pan. Add 8 cups of water, and cook on medium-high covering the pan halfway. Cook the meat for 2 hours. Be sure to check the water quantity so it does not dry. Add more water if needed as the meat cooks. In the end, you should have about 2 cups of water left with the meat. Reduce the heat to low.
      Soup Joumou - Haitian Squash Soup - Cooked beef - Savory Thoughts.
    • Meanwhile, cook the squash until fork through (about 35 minutes). Remove the squash from the heat, cut in half, remove the seeds, and cut into small pieces. Feel free to leave the skin on. 
      Place the squash the blender, blend until liquify with cups of vegetable broth and 2 cups of water.
      Soup Joumou - Haitian Squash Soup - Butternut Squash with water and broth in a blender - Savory Thoughts.
    • Pour the mixture into the meat, stir. Add the bouillon paste and vegetables, cook for 10 minutes. Stir constantly.
      soup topped with mixed vegetables
    • Add the juice from the other lemon or lime, then add the noodles. Cook for 10 minutes. Stir. Serve warm with bread. Enjoy!
      Soup Joumou is served every year on the 1st of January as the Haitian nation celebrate its Independence. It is one of the most savored food as it is a rarity. Deliciously prepared to ones taste but the base is squash. Extremely filling, but yet the enjoyment of the sensational flavors with the proudness of freedom make this dish a unique experience that one must share.

    Instant Pot Soup Joumou Instructions

    • Cut and wash the meat well. Pat dry and place inthe instant pot basket. Add the marinating ingredients, mix well. Cover with foil and set aside. Let marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
      step by step guide to making the soup
    • Wash the squash, then cut into large pieces. Then add the squash into the basket with the meat. Add 8 cups of water. Cover and turn the knob to seal. Pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.
      When the timer goes off, quick release. Place the meat in one bowl. Do NOT discard the water from the meat and squash. Place the water in large bowl to use for later.
      Add the squash to the Instant Pot Blender or good quality blender. Add 2 ½ cups of the water from the meat. Blend well to a smooth consistency.
      step by step photo guide
    • In the Instant Pot, add the oil, carrots, cabbage, and noodles. Stir until well combined.
      Then transfer the blended squash to the vegetables and noodles.
      Add the remaining ingredient – herbs, salt, lemon juice, allspice, and Better Than Bouillon Paste (See Instant Pot Soup Ingredients list above).
      Add the cooked meat. Next, add the remaining water from the meat (broth) and stop until the liquid reaches the "max" mark in the pot. Do not overfill, otherwise the soup will overflow when cooking.
      Stir lightly to mix the ingredients together. Cover and seal. Cook for additional 10 minutes. Quick release when complete.
      Serve and enjoy.
      overhead closeup view of the soup

    Video

    Notes

    *** This recipe was first published in December 2018.
    • The content was updated to better serve the readers.
    • Per readers’ request, the soup has been modified to include an Instant Pot version.
    • The ingredients/recipe remained as is for the stovetop version as the readers already love it. 
    • Step-by-step photo guide along with a video is provided to help you make this recipe perfectly each time. 
    • If you want to make this meal vegan, simply remove the meat. 
    ****Calories are estimated per serving for the stovetop version. 
    *** This post contain affiliate links, which means we will receive compensation if clicked on it or make a purchase.  Please read our full disclosure here!
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 8PeopleCalories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 25gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 1134mgPotassium: 453mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 6050IUVitamin C: 89.1mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 3.4mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Therese

      January 03, 2023 at 9:50 pm

      Mesi anpil! This soup turned out so good. I used the pressure cooker for the meat and squash first, then I added the veggies and since it was very full I cooked the pasta separately. It turned out so good!
      Reminds of back in the days in Haiti.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        February 20, 2023 at 8:57 am

        Thank you so much. I am really happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Aronna

      October 19, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      Do you cook the pasta before putting it in the instant pot? or is it dry?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        October 29, 2022 at 10:33 pm

        Everything is cooked in the instant pot. Please see step 3 – In the Instant Pot, add the oil, carrots, cabbage, and noodles. Stir until well combined.

        Reply
    3. Capt Larry

      December 14, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      I make this every New Year for my Haitian Friends at work

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 14, 2021 at 2:39 pm

        So glad to hear that. Happy Holidays!

        Reply
    4. FJ

      December 26, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      Thank you!!! I have been looking for a Soup Joumou recipe to make in an Instant Pot. The women in my family only know how to make it old school, lol. Question: do you cut the malanga and the potatoes at the same times as the carrots and cabbage? Also what about the scotch bonnet?

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 26, 2020 at 7:55 pm

        Thank you very much for your question and visiting our site. Yes, peel and cut the malanga and potatoes, then place them in the instant pot at the same time with the carrots and cabbage. All of these ingredients will cook faster in the instant pot as oppose to over the stove. Add the scotch bonnet pepper when you add all of the ingredients, including the liquid before you cover and seal the instant pot. Be careful to not break it while stirring so your soup doesn’t become overly spicy.

        Reply
    5. Jyothi (Jo)

      December 20, 2018 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      I can give up my favorite rice dinner for this hearty squash soup. I mean I love rice in my meals all time, but with soups so hearty and filling, I wouldn’t mind eating this soup any day, any meal!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        December 22, 2018 at 8:26 pm

        Oh no! Don’t give up your favorite rice dinner for this meal. There’s room to enjoy both. Thank you for your kind words, Jo!

        Reply
    6. Marisa Franca

      December 20, 2018 at 1:13 pm

      5 stars
      This soup not only looks amazing but sounds amazing too. We are huge soup lovers and this soup would be a big hit in our family. We often add pasta to our soups — we enjoy the taste. I’m saving this recipe to make during the holidays. Thank you!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        December 22, 2018 at 8:26 pm

        Thank you, Marisa. Please enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Dan from Platter Talk

      December 19, 2018 at 11:54 pm

      5 stars
      First of all, I’m not familiar with Hattian cuisine and was fascinated by the brief cultural experience that you take us on with this post. Second, it. is ironic that I came home from the grocery store with about 2 lbs of diced-up butternut squash, today. I think it was meant to be that I found your recipe and your site this afternoon and I am looking forward to more amazing recipes and stories from you!

      Reply
      • MDesir

        December 22, 2018 at 8:28 pm

        Awww, Thank you, Dan. I hope you enjoy the soup and the holidays! Thank you for reading.

        Reply
    8. Emmeline

      December 19, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so comforting & delicious! I don’t think I’ve ever had Haitian food – but this makes very curious to try.

      Reply
    9. Tatiana

      December 19, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      I like your in process step by step photos, so bright and motivating. Explains the cooking process so well!

      Reply

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