forkue

9 recipes · Haiti

Haitian kitchen

9 Haitian recipes you can cook at home, from Griot (Haitian Fried Pork), Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew) and Poul Nan Sos (Haitian Stewed Chicken) to Tablet Kokoye (Haitian Coconut Candy).

9 recipes

About Haitian food

The Haitian kitchen

Scallions, garlic, parsley, peppers, and thyme form the aromatic backbone of many Haitian meals. Blended into epis or chopped directly into a marinade, they season meat before it reaches the pot. Citrus brightens slow-cooked pork and chicken, while rice, cornmeal, plantains, and vegetables make the plate substantial.

Texture matters as much as seasoning: griot is tender before it fries crisp, legim cooks down into a thick vegetable mash, and pikliz stays sharp and crunchy beside rich food. Scotch bonnet peppers bring fruitiness and heat, which can be adjusted by leaving them whole or chopping them. Coconut, ginger, and warm spices also find their way into sweets.

Questions, answered

What is Haitian epis?

Epis is an aromatic seasoning blend, commonly made with herbs, garlic, scallions, and peppers. Household versions differ; it can season meat, rice, beans, or vegetables.

What do you serve with griot?

Pikliz adds a spicy, vinegary crunch alongside the fried pork. Fried green plantains and rice are familiar companions that make the plate more substantial.

Can I replace djon djon mushrooms?

Dried porcini can make an earthy rice, but they do not reproduce djon djon's distinctive flavor or dark color. Look for the dried Haitian mushrooms when you want that particular result.

What Haitian dishes can I make at home?

Start with Diri Djon Djon (Haitian Mushroom Rice), Griot (Haitian Fried Pork), Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew), Marinad (Haitian Herb Fritters) and Mayi Moulin ak Zepina (Haitian Cornmeal and Spinach). Every recipe here is written for a home kitchen, with substitutes for anything hard to find.

What's the quickest Haitian recipe?

Marinad (Haitian Herb Fritters), ready in 45 min.