We are so happy to bring you Father Bruno's message, sharing with us the Haitian Independence Day/New Year's Day soup tradition, together with blessings for the New Year for you and yours!
Happy 2024!
The Bruno Family has shared with us how they make the traditional Haitian Independence Day Pumpkin Soup - Soup Joumou - a delicacy savored on New Year's Day/Haitian Independence Day! We hope you enjoy this recipe! We wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!
1 pound beef shank, meat cut off bones into 1" cubes
1 pound stew beef (preferably chuck) cut into 1" cubes
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
3 tablespoons seasoned salt
3 sour oranges
1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, cut into pieces
3 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), chopped
3 carrots (about 1 pound), sliced
1/2 small green cabbage (about 1 pound), sliced
2 medium onions, sliced
1 celery stalk, chopped
4 leeks, white and pale-green parts only, chopped
3 small turnips, chopped
1 habanero chile (optional)
1 1/2 cups rigatoni
2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
1 pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
2 parsley sprigs (optional)
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preparation: 2 ½ - 3 hours total
You will need two pots, 8 quarts and 12 quarts.
In a bowl, pour sour oranges (saving 1 tbs for the end of the recipe) on the beef shank and the stew beef for 5 minutes, then let it sit. Transfer beef to a colander and rinse with water. Stir in the seasoned salt and lime juice completely in another large bowl. Add beef, toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. In one pot, add marinated beef, cover, and simmer until meat is beginning to soften, about 40 minutes, then set aside. In another pot, add squash with water. Cook until squash is fork-tender, 20–25 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer squash to a blender until smooth. Return to pot and bring to a simmer. Then, add in the pot: potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onion, celery, leeks, turnips, chile (optional), rigatoni, 2 1/2 tsp salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper (optional), and parsley, uncovered until pasta and vegetables are tender, 30–35 minutes. Afterward, add oil, butter, beef with the stew, and 1 tbs of sour orange to taste. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until meat is tender, 15–20 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Bon Appétit!
Serves 8-10 people.
Beef can be replaced by chicken or pork if needed.
Vegetarian version without meat.