Haitian Pumpkin Soup

Name: Haitian Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients: 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs; Juice of 1 lime; 10 cups water; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 scallions, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic; 1 small cubanelle pepper, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; 1-2 thin slices habanero, or 1 thinly sliced jalapeno pepper; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium onion, quartered; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 pounds kabocha or butternut squash; 10 cabbage, leaves quartered; 2 large carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks; 2 medium turnips, washed quartered; 2 medium potatoes, washed quartered; 4 to 6 cloves; ½ cup whole wheat spaghettini or cappellini, broken into pieces; 1 whole habanero pepper, pricked twice with a toothpick; Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In Haiti, Squash Soup or 'Soupe Joumou', is a really a hearty stew of meat and squash that is traditionally eaten to celebrate the New Year. It is usually made with beef, but it is just as good made with the dark chicken meat, especially the thighs. The meat in this soup appears to be marinated twice. Let me explain: in much Caribbean cooking, meat is usually 'washed' in lime juice before cooking takes place, including marinating. This 'washing' gives extra taste but more importantly kills any bacteria on the surface of the meat. Smart when you live in a hot climate. If you haven't used them before, this Haitian Pumpkin Soup recipe will introduce you to Habanero peppers. Habanero peppers are lethally hot. Take care not to use too much. A tiny amount of cut habanero goes a very long way. Why use them? They have an incredible flavor as well as heat. The pierced whole habanero used at the end of this recipe is a great way to get the flavor without too much spice. Choose a pepper that is perfectly whole and sealed until you prick it. Any more open, and it could make the stew way too spicy.

Updated at: Mon, 23 Aug 2021 19:24:26 GMT