Soup Joumou – The Taste of Freedom

Soup Joumou 122913Haitians throughout the world make Soup Joumou every New Year’s Day to celebrate the independence of Haiti (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.  To read the declaration Declaration of Independence – (click here – also available in French).  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 on January 1st, 1804.

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!

Le Flambeau Foundation , Inc.


 

Excerpt from Miami.com article by Jacqueline Charles ,December 29, 2017…

Dudley Alexis prefers hot pepper in his soup. Alexis is the South Florida filmmaker behind the documentary “Liberty in a Soup,” which was featured at last year’s Miami Film Festival and explores the relationship between the traditional soup and Haitian history.

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