Island Vibes in a Bowl: The Jamaican Soup That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Do the Reggae

Imagine the rich, hearty aroma of a pot bubbling away on a cool day this is Jamaican soup at its best. Rooted in the vibrant and diverse culinary traditions of Jamaica, this soup is a warm embrace of flavors, perfect for cozying up with family and friends..

Growing up, I remember the comforting feeling of sitting around the table, spooning up this flavorful soup that seemed to bring everyone together. Jamaican soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold spices.

This recipe features tender pieces of chicken, chunky vegetables, and a blend of spices that dance on your palate. The key is in the seasoning, with allspice and thyme adding that signature Jamaican kick, while the addition of yams and plantains provides a lovely sweetness and texture.

The magic of this soup lies in its simplicity and the way it fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s a perfect dish for the fall and winter seasons, bringing a touch of tropical warmth to your table.

Jamaican Soup Recipe

This hearty Jamaican soup is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for warming up on a chilly day. Bursting with savory spices, tender vegetables, and aromatic herbs, it’s a comforting meal that brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Jamaican

Servings 3

Calories 255 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g Beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 1 large Onion chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 large Carrot peeled and sliced
• 2 medium Potatoes peeled and diced
• 1 small sweet potato peeled and diced
• 1 cup 150g pumpkin or butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 cup 150g Corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1-2 Scotch Bonnet peppers whole (adjust for heat)
• 1-2 sprigs fresh Thyme
• 2-3 Bay leaves
• 1 tsp Allspice
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp ground Pimento optional
• 6 cups 1.4 liters Beef broth
• 1 tbsp Soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
  
• Sauté Vegetables: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
  
• Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in carrots, potatoes, sweet potato, pumpkin, and corn. Sprinkle in allspice, paprika, ground pimento (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix well.
  
• Simmer the Soup: Pour in beef broth, add Scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.
  
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or soy sauce if needed.
  
• Serve: Remove Scotch bonnet peppers and bay leaves before serving. Enjoy hot!

Notes

• For Extra Flavor: Searing the beef well before adding the vegetables enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: For a milder soup, remove the seeds from the Scotch bonnet peppers or use less of them.

Nutrition Facts:

Tips Which May Help

Tip 1: If you want, you can use different types of meat like beef, chicken, or even a combination. Some recipes also include dumplings or other add-ins like corn or beans. Just ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to achieve the best flavor.

Tip 2: Add more Scotch bonnet peppers or hot sauce to make the soup spicier. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spicy ingredients or remove the seeds from the peppers before adding them.

Tip 3: Jamaican soup tastes better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.