2smallmalanga rootpeeled and cut into ½ inch pieces
1smallgreen cabbagethinly sliced
1cuprigatoni pasta
1mediumlimejuiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Epis:
Make the epis by pureeing all the ingredients until smooth
Soup Joumou
Wash beef with water and then rub with lime juice and set aside in a large bowl.
Add ½ cup of epis to the bowl and marinate the meat in the refrigerator and overnight or for at least 1 hour.
Remove meat from refrigerator and let come to room temperature
In a large pot, heat oil on high heat until just beginning to smoke. Add the meat and brown thoroughly on all sides, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Remove the meat from the pot, and set aside. Leave the oil in the pot.
Add the onions, leeks and scallions to the pot. Cook on medium high heat 5-10 minutes until they are translucent reaching a golden brown.
Add the garlic, scotch bonnet pepper, celery, remaining epis, and half the spices and cook, stirring frequently, for about a minute more.
Add the thyme, squash, carrots and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Allow to cook until squash and carrots are fork tender around 30-40 minutes
Turn off the heat, remove the thyme and pepper, and puree the soup using a hand mixer until it is a smooth texture. If you prefer a thinner consistency add more broth or water. If you don't have a hand mixer use a blender or food processor.
Add the thyme back to the soup and add the beef, bay leaves, parsley, and remaining spices.
Bring the soup to a simmer on medium-low heat covered and cook for an additional 45 minutes
Add the pasta, potatoes and malanga root and continue to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes and malanga are cooked through.
Add cabbage and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the herbs and discard. Add seasoning as needed and serve with fresh lime juice and chopped parsley.
Notes
Turnips, rutabagas are good substitutes for malanga root.
I used butternut squash in place of pumpkin as I didn't find pumpkin to my liking.
Feel free to add another ½ cup of the epis to the soup right after pureeing.
Cutting beef into chunks is easier if the meat is partially frozen. Aldo dry the beef with paper towels for easier handling.
Cut small slits into the scotch bonnets to leverage their fragrance while keeping that crazy heat level in check.
Puree the squash and carrots for optimal consistency, color, and balanced flavor
Use local, fresh ingredients. If you don't have pumpkin around, forget using the canned stuff and just use your favorite winter squash that's available.
For thinner consistency add vegetable stock or water
Add a dose of lime juice just before serving.
Keep your favorite bread on hand for steady soppin
For a vegan version just eliminate the beef and pasta. There are more than enough vegetables present for this dish to remain filling.
Don't forget about the scotch bonnet simmering in your pot.You leave it simmering too long, it will break down, releasing those fiery seeds into your soup.
With the mixture of herbs, peppers, meat, and multiple vegetables, you don't have to get crazy with the spices. Spices will play the role of unifying the variety of flavors.
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