Soup Jou Mou – Haitian Pumpkin Soup

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the stew beef and turkey necks.

Step 2

Add the Creole seasoning, Epis, and turmeric. Crush the bouillon cube into the bowl.

Step 3

Mix this until well combined.

Step 4

Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a ziploc bag and keep in the refrigerator. It is best to marinate overnight, but at the bare minimum, marinate for 1 hour,

Step 5

In a very large stock pot or caldero (cauldron pot), Add the meat and all of its juices.

Step 6

Stick the cloves inside of the Scotch Bonnet pepper and add to the pot.

Step 7

Using kitchen string, tie the thyme and parsley together. Add this to the pot.

Step 8

Add the bottom half of the celery stalks to the pot.

Step 9

Add the scallions to the pot. It is not necessary to trim the roots of the scallion because you are essentially making a stock with the meat and vegetables. The vegetables will later be discarded.

Step 10

Add enough water to cover, about 6 cups.

Step 11

Bring to a boil.

Step 12

Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours until the meat is quite soft.

Step 13

Meanwhile, cut the pumpkin into large pieces.

Step 14

Transfer the pumpkin to a large pot.

Step 15

Add enough water to cover.

Step 16

Bring to a boil and cook until pumpkin is very soft, about 20 minutes.

Step 17

Remove the pumpkin from the water and transfer the pumpkin to a blender. Puree until very smooth.

Step 18

Once the meat is tender, remove the celery, scallions and other vegetables.

Step 19

Add the pumpkin puree to the pot and another 2 cups of water.

Step 20

Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the broth is very smooth and homogenous.

Step 21

Meanwhile, cut the carrot, potatoes and turnips into large pieces.

Step 22

Chop the other half of the celery.

Step 23

Add the carrot, potatoes, turnips and celery to the pot. Add additional water, as needed.

Step 24

Simmer until the vegetables are cooked, about 20 minutes.

Step 25

Add cabbage, vermicelli and penne. Add more water, as needed.

Step 26

Cook until the pasta is cooked, about 15 minutes.

Step 27

Add watercress and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 28

Adjust water as needed and cover the pot. The watercress will wilt.

Step 29

Add lime juice (if using) and stir to combine.