Haitian · Dinner · Medium
Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup)
0.0 (0 ratings)- Total
- 2 hr 35 min
- Prep
- 30 min
- Serves
- 8
- Calories
- 340
Pureed squash makes a golden broth for beef, cabbage, roots, and pasta in Haiti's hearty soup joumou.
The golden color of Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup) comes from squash blended into the broth, not from cream. Beef, vegetables, and a small handful of pasta turn it into a full meal with the layered texture loved in Haiti.
Butternut squash is a practical substitute for Caribbean pumpkin. Cook it separately for a smooth puree, and add the pasta last so it stays recognizable rather than dissolving during the beef's long simmer.
Method
Rub the beef chuck with garlic, scallions, lime juice, parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large stockpot over medium-high heat and brown the meat for .
Add the onion and celery and cook over medium heat for . Pour in 7 cups water, cover loosely, and simmer over low heat for until the beef is nearly tender.
Meanwhile, simmer the squash in the remaining 3 cups water in a covered saucepan for until very soft. Puree the squash and its cooking water with an immersion blender.
Stir the squash puree, carrot, potato, and cabbage into the beef pot. Simmer for until the roots are tender and the beef is fork-soft and above 145°F.
Add the macaroni and simmer for until tender, stirring to prevent sticking. Rest off the heat for ; the soup should remain loose enough to ladle.
Forkue tips
- If making the soup for another day, cook the macaroni separately and add it to each portion when reheating.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add water when reheating because the pasta absorbs broth. Freeze the soup without macaroni for up to 2 months and add freshly cooked pasta after thawing.
Made it?
Tap a star to rate it. It helps the next cook decide.
Kitchen gear
Forkue may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.Nutrition per serving, estimated
Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.
Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup): FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Plain pumpkin puree works in place of cooked squash, though the flavor and color vary. Avoid sweetened pie filling and add enough water to keep the soup brothy.
Why does the soup thicken overnight?
Both squash starch and pasta absorb liquid as they sit. Thin the soup while reheating, or store cooked pasta separately when planning leftovers.
How do I store and reheat Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup)?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add water when reheating because the pasta absorbs broth. Freeze the soup without macaroni for up to 2 months and add freshly cooked pasta after thawing.
How long does Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup) take?
About 2 hr 35 min in total: 30 min prep and 2 hr 5 min cooking.
What do I need to make Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup)?
The key ingredients are beef chuck, butternut squash, onion, scallions, garlic and lime juice, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Soup Joumou (Haitian Squash and Beef Soup)?
If making the soup for another day, cook the macaroni separately and add it to each portion when reheating.
Cook this next
2 hr 40 minHaitian · Gluten-free
Legim (Haitian Beef and Vegetable Stew)
3 hr 50 minUkrainian · Nut-free
Beef Borscht
3 hr 50 minIrish-American · Gluten-free
Corned Beef and Cabbage
2 hr 35 minSalvadoran · Gluten-free
Carne Guisada Salvadorena
4 hr 15 minBritish · Nut-free
Cumberland Pie
2 hr 30 minArgentinian · Dairy-free