January 1st is special in a Haitian household, and nothing says “home” like Soup Joumou, the traditional Haitian pumpkin soup.
Soup Joumou is more than a soup or another meal; it’s history in a bowl. Every spoon carries strength, resilience, endurance, community, freedom, and the warmth of gathering on New Year’s Day, which also marks Haiti’s Independence Day, symbolising the liberation of the nation from French colonisation in 1804. Historically, it was a delicacy forbidden to Haitians in colonies, hence its making on Independence Day.
This commemoration would be incomplete without a warm bowl of Soup Joumou. Wherever life takes me, one spoonful brings me back to the comfort of my roots, the warmth of Haiti’s sand, and the rhythm of the wind.
“Soup Joumou” reminds us of our roots, our culture, our humanity, and why we celebrate. I am picky when it comes to my “Soup joumou”, the meat has to be seasoned well and the texture of my vegetables and pasta just right!
What is Soup Joumou?
Soup Joumou is a hearty Haitian pumpkin soup made with pumpkin or squash, beef, vegetables, spices, and pasta. From being the meal to celebrate hard-fought freedom from the French, today, it is a powerful symbol of independence, celebration, and a sense of belonging.
Every January 1st, Haitian families gather to cook and share this soup. It’s a reminder of our ancestors’ struggle and triumph, a delicious tradition that keeps us connected to our culture and to each other. Wherever life takes me, “Soup Joumou” is made and shared as a commemoration and sense of community. One spoonful brings me back to the memory of a warm smile, laughter, and the cousin who ate too much. The explosion of flavor with each bite is exactly what I need to nostalgically remember the early rooster call, the noise of the farmers market with endless bargaining, the sound of dominoes, and the excitement of seeing loved ones.
Growing up, “Soup Joumou” was a must, and every family made a big pot to serve their families, friends, neighbors, and anyone who stopped by their house that day. You go pay your respect with New Year Wishes and enjoy “Soup Joumou” all day long.
With my children wherever life takes us, January 1st goes hand in hand with “Soup Joumou”.
Ingredients for Traditional “Soup Joumou“
- Pumpkin, squash, or cabotcha
- Beef
- Carrots, potatoes, taro root, celery, cabbage
- Onions, garlic, peppers
- Penne and spaghetti
- Spices: Thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, clove, scotch bonnet pepper, lemon juice
- Famous “Epis” (blend of green onion, garlic, pepper, parsley, bell pepper, onion)
- Olive oil
Making “Soup Joumou”
There is a saying in Haitian culture in the art of cooking called “gen men”, meaning “Having hand”, which is basically the unique flair of each individual when cooking meals. We may follow the same recipe, use the same ingredients, and yet the taste and even the texture of the food are different. My least favorite thing to do is peeling vegetables, so shout-out to my husband for his help today!
So, here are the steps in cooking my “Soup Joumou”, may you find your way to the homey flavors that keep my kids asking for it all year long:
- Clean and season the meat (I prefer overnight for maximum flavor).
- Cook the beef until tender (Use the Juice as broth)
- Cook the squash with garlic, green onion, and a dash of olive oil to make a puree.
- Peel, wash, and cut all vegetables
- Add the vegetables and meat to the squash puree, then add your spices.
- Add pasta near the end for a comforting, hearty finish.
Add some lemon juice and season until it tastes right or to your heart’s content! I taste from a small drop, but my husband needs a spoon and even a bowl to really enjoy tasting the soup or any food, really!
A Taste of Home Anywhere
Soup Joumou is more than a recipe; it’s a memory, a story, and a celebration. Whether I’m in Haiti or thousands of miles away, a bowl of this soup brings me home. This year, once again, I get to share it with other Haitians and other friends.
Food tastes better when it’s shared!
With warmth,
Jasleyv
Writer. Seeker. Believer in little blessings.
🌿 Live fully. Be true. Be you.
I loved learning about the deep history and heartfelt meaning behind Soup Joumou. It’s beautiful to see how this hearty pumpkin and squash soup has become a symbol of Haitian independence and resilience carried around the world. Your personal reflections on how one spoonful can instantly bring you back to community, culture, and cherished memories really resonated with me. Thanks for sharing such a rich blend of tradition, heritage, and delicious food that celebrates freedom and connection beyond borders.
Hi Jerry,
Thank you so much. Soup Joumou carries so much history and heart, and I’m grateful it resonated with you. 🤍
Oh, wow, is this good. I love pumpkin soup, and this version is a nice change of pace that I’ll be making again.
Hi Beth,
Love hearing that, thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
The soup was hearty, warming, and perfect for sharing. It felt special to make something with so much meaning behind it.
Hi Catalina,
It’s a soup rooted in togetherness, and I’m glad that you felt that too.
This soup looks so delicious and hearty. My family loves soups, so I saved the recipe to make it this weekend.
Hi Alejandra,
It sure is! I hope your family loves it as much as we do.
I love a good soup and the soup joumou not only sounds delicious it looks easy to prepare. On a day like today where we have 6 inches of snow this hearty soup would be perfect. The soup joumou looks very hearty
Hi Lisa,
That sounds like the perfect snowy-day meal. I hope it brings lots of warmth and comfort.
I bet that is full of flavour. I do love pumpkin soup but with those additional ingredients it must taste amazing!!
The what it stands for pretty cool. And sounds delish too with the pumpkin and some meat with it. Great way to start off the New Year!!
i enjoyed learning about the history behind this pumpkin soup. food that represents freedom and heritage definitely tastes better than anything else.
I grew up loving big Sunday soups, so this warmed me up. Learning Soup Joumou marks Haitian Independence, with squash, beef, and vegetables symbolising freedom, felt powerful and comforting today.
I was sold once I saw scotch bonnet peppers as one of your ingredients! This is the perfect season for your delicious soup. It has all the heartwarming ingredients we see in satisfying soups. I don’t eat meat so I would skip that and still have a delicious yummy soup!
The way the recipe brings family, emotions and culture together feels deeply meaningful and warm. Sharing this story makes me want to honour my traditions through food.
How very interesting! I love it when food represents history. This is gold for us, homeschoolers.