Recipe for Achievement – Haiti’s Soup Joumou

by

A Le Flambeau Foundation Culture Sharing Vignette – education for the mind and stomach

Haitians all over the world make Soup Joumou every New Year’s Day (January 1st) to celebrate the independence of Haiti on January 1st, 1804.  Haiti cast off the bonds of slavery and declared its freedom from France in 1804, making history as it set a precedent and became the first post-colonial black-led nation in the world.  Prior to Haiti’s independence the slaves were forbidden to eat a certain soup as it was determined to be too fine to be consumed by the slaves.  Enjoying this fine soup now called Soup Joumou was one of the first actions of freedom taken as independence became a reality for Haiti.

Soup Joumou is a celebratory meal consumed together with family and friends in the spirit of overcoming incredible challenges, achieving success, and enjoying the  positive offerings ahead.  A delicious meal for all.  Happy Independence Day!  Happy New Year!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. cubed beef stew meat
  • 1 lb. chicken
  • 1 frozen squash
  • 1 boniata
  • 1 spinach
  • 1 malanga
  • 2 onions-sliced
  • 3 large carrots
  • 6 medium potatoes
  • ¼ lb spaghetti or noodles
  • 3 tbsp seasoned salt
  • 2 limes cut in half
  • 2 tsp. thyme
  • 2 tsp parsley
  • ½ cup scallions
  • salt, black pepper, and hot pepper to taste

 
Directions

  1. Clean the meat with hot water and lemon ans set aside in a bowl
  2. Add seasoning salt and set aside for 2 hrs
  3. Boil meat in stockpot with 3 quarts of water until tender (about 1 ½- 2 hrs)
  4. Add more additional water if necessary and remaining ingredients except noodles
  5. Cook for 20 minutes and add noodles

Enjoy with family and friends.  Savor the spirit of new accomplishments. The future is bright!

These Le Flambeau Foundation Culture Sharing Vignettes are presented as part of the Foundation’s commitment to provide educational opportunities to youth in Haiti.  The support of friends like you made this possible.  Thank you for your on-going donations which permit future programming such as scholarships, THE SPARK of Le Flambeau, and other programming (see website).  Learn more about student sponsorship options, subscribing to youth education for Haiti, or to take action and donate now.   Le Flambeau Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in its sixth year.