Soup joumou facts for kids
Soup joumou
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| Alternative names | Soupe au giraumon |
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| Type | Soup |
| Place of origin | Haiti |
| Main ingredients | Squash, beef, potatoes, vegetables |
Soup joumou (pronounced "joo-moo") is a delicious soup from Haiti. It is also known by its French name, soupe au giraumon. This special soup was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2021. This means it is recognized as an important part of human culture and traditions.
The soup is usually made with winter squashes, like the turban squash. Pieces of beef and soup bones are simmered with the squash. Other vegetables like potatoes, malanga, leeks, celery, radishes, carrots, green cabbage, and onions are also added. A bit of habanero pepper gives it a mild spice.
After cooking, the squash is blended until it's smooth. This creamy squash is then put back into the pot. Salt, seasonings, lime juice, garlic, parsley, and other herbs and spices are mixed in. Some people also add thin pasta, like vermicelli or macaroni, and a little butter or oil. Soup joumou is always served hot, often with a slice of bread for dipping.
Contents
Making Soup Joumou
Soup joumou is a mildly spicy soup that is a big part of Haitian cooking. It is traditionally made with a type of pumpkin called winter squash.
Key Ingredients
The main ingredients for Soup joumou are:
- Squash
- Beef
- Potatoes
- Malanga (a root vegetable)
- Green vegetables like cabbage and celery
How it's Cooked
The squash and beef are cooked together with many fresh vegetables. The squash is then pureed, which means it's blended until smooth. This smooth squash is added back to the soup. Many different spices and herbs are used to give the soup its unique flavor.
Serving the Soup
The soup is always served hot. People often enjoy it with a slice of bread, which they dip into the warm soup.
A Symbol of Freedom
Soup joumou is more than just a meal; it is a powerful symbol of freedom for Haitians. It is traditionally eaten on January 1st every year. This day celebrates Haiti's independence from French rule in 1804.
During the time of slavery, only the French colonial masters were allowed to eat this special soup. It was often prepared by the enslaved people. After the Haitian Revolution, when Haiti became the first free black republic, Haitians could finally enjoy this soup themselves. Eating Soup joumou became a way to celebrate their new freedom and independence.
Today, Haitians all over the world eat this soup on January 1st. It reminds them of their history and the brave fight for freedom. It celebrates the day when enslaved people successfully gained their political power.
UNESCO Recognition
In December 2021, Soup joumou received a very important honor. UNESCO officially added it to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This list includes traditions, knowledge, and skills that are important to human culture.
This was a big moment for Haiti, as it was the first time something from their culture was included on this special list. It shows the world how important Soup joumou is to Haitian identity and history.
See also
In Spanish: Joumou para niños
