Soup Joumou

What is Soup Joumou?

Soup Joumou is a thick, golden soup from Haiti, made mainly with pureed squash and pieces of beef. Potatoes, malanga (a starchy root), carrots, leeks, celery, radishes, green cabbage, onions, and habanero pepper are added for flavor and texture. The soup is seasoned with herbs, garlic, lime juice, and a Haitian spice blend called epis. Sometimes, thin pasta like vermicelli or macaroni is included. It is always served hot, often with slices of French bread for dipping.

Where does Soup Joumou come from?

The soup’s name comes from the squash, called joumou in Haitian Creole. During French colonial rule, enslaved Africans grew this squash but were not allowed to eat it themselves. After Haiti gained independence on January 1, 1804, the new nation celebrated by eating Soup Joumou, turning it into a symbol of freedom and equality. Today, it is a dish that marks the end of colonial oppression and the beginning of self-rule, eaten by Haitians everywhere to honor their revolutionary past.

How is Soup Joumou made?

To make Soup Joumou, beef is first marinated and simmered until tender. Squash is cooked and blended into a smooth puree, then added to the beef broth. Potatoes, malanga, and a variety of vegetables go in next, along with seasonings like epis, salt, lime juice, garlic, and herbs. Some cooks add thin pasta and a little butter or oil. The soup simmers until all the ingredients are soft and the flavors meld. It is served hot, usually with French bread.

How and when is Soup Joumou eaten?

Soup Joumou is eaten on New Year's Day by Haitians in Haiti and abroad, often for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The soup is shared with family and friends as part of the celebration of independence. It is also eaten on Ancestry Day, January 2, to honor those who fought in the revolution. The soup is typically served hot, with French bread on the side for dipping.

Kinds of Soup Joumou

While the base of Soup Joumou is always squash and beef, families may use different vegetables depending on what is available. Some add thin pasta such as vermicelli or macaroni, while others might include more or fewer root vegetables. The seasoning blend, called epis, can also vary by household. Despite these small differences, the soup’s role and meaning remain the same.

What Soup Joumou means

Soup Joumou is a powerful symbol of Haitian independence and unity. Eating it on New Year’s Day is a tradition that honors the country’s history and the struggle for freedom. In 2021, UNESCO recognized the soup as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its importance to Haitian identity. The soup connects generations and is a source of pride for Haitians everywhere.

When Soup Joumou is on the table

Questions people ask about Soup Joumou

Good reading and sources

• Soup joumou on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data