How long does it take to make Jamaican Pumpkin Soup?

Based on our recipe instructions, making Jamaican Pumpkin Soup takes about 2 hours. This includes the time to boil the pumpkin for the soup base, prepare and cook the dumplings, and simmer the soup with all the ingredients to develop its rich flavors.

What ingredients do I need for Jamaican Pumpkin Soup?

You'll need the following ingredients: pumpkin, coconut milk, vegetable stock, jackfruit, cho cho, carrots, sweet potato, yellow yam, homemade chicken soup mix, scallion, garlic cloves, scotch bonnet pepper, parsley, black pepper, onion powder, thyme, pimento berries, pink salt, gluten-free flour, and warm water.

How do I prepare the dumplings for the soup?

To prepare the dumplings, mix gluten-free flour and pink salt in a bowl. Gradually add warm water, forming a soft dough ball. Break off pieces about the size of a golf ball and shape them into discs or long, thin spinners. Drop these dumplings into the boiling soup to cook.

Can I adjust the spice level of the soup?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by controlling the amount of scotch bonnet pepper you use. For a milder flavor, you can add the pepper whole and remove it before serving. If you prefer more heat, you can cut the pepper open during cooking.

What can I use if I don't have homemade chicken soup mix?

If you don't have homemade chicken soup mix, you can use a halal vegetable bouillon cube as an alternative. This will still provide a rich flavor to the soup without altering the overall taste significantly.

How do I make the soup thicker if needed?

To make the soup thicker, you can mash more cooked pumpkin into the pot during the final simmering stage. This helps to create a denser consistency without needing additional thickeners, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

Jamaican Pumpkin Soup: Boldly Spiced Caribbean Comfort

Name: Jamaican Pumpkin Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) Pumpkin, roughly 4 cups chopped; 1/2 cup (120ml) Coconut Milk; 10 cups (2400 ml) (2.37 liters) Vegetable Stock; 2 cans Jackfruit, shredded (core discarded); 1 Cho Cho, chopped; 2 medium Carrots, chopped; 1 medium Sweet Potato, chopped; 1/2 – 1 lb (450g) Yellow Yam; 3 tablespoons Homemade Chicken Soup Mix (23g); 3 Scallion, chopped; 4 Garlic Cloves, chopped; 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper; 1/2 tablespoon (2g) Parsley; 1/2 teaspoon (1g) Black Pepper; 1 teaspoon (2g) Onion Powder/Granules; 6 sprigs of Thyme; 10 Pimento Berries; Pink Salt, to taste (if needed); 2 cups (272g) Gluten-Free Flour; 1/2 cup (120ml) Warm Water; 1/2 teaspoon (3g) Pink Salt

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Every time I cook Jamaican Pumpkin Soup, I am transported back to a bustling kitchen, filled with the comforting aroma of simmering herbs and spices. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming celebration of flavors that dance together in a pot, creating a melody of taste that lingers long after the last spoonful.

Jamaican Pumpkin Soup has always been a staple in my kitchen, not just for its rich and creamy texture but for the memories it invokes. I remember my grandmother stirring a big pot of it, her hands moving in a rhythmic dance as she added the ingredients, each one with a story of its own. The pumpkin, with its vibrant orange hue, was always the star, its sweetness balancing the savory notes beautifully.

This recipe, with its Caribbean roots, is a delightful way to embrace the essence of Jamaican cuisine. The combination of pumpkin, coconut milk, and spices creates a harmony that warms the soul. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.

As you embark on this culinary journey, you’ll find that making Jamaican Pumpkin Soup is as much about the process as it is about the result. The joy of cooking lies in the experience, the laughter shared, and the love infused into every step. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this comforting pot of delight.

Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

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Author: Chloe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Caribbean

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Description

Discover how to make flavorful Jamaican Pumpkin Soup with this easy recipe. Learn the traditional spices and techniques for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) Pumpkin, roughly 4 cups chopped
1/2 cup (120ml) Coconut Milk
10 cups (2400 ml) (2.37 liters) Vegetable Stock
2 cans Jackfruit, shredded (core discarded)
1 Cho Cho, chopped
2 medium Carrots, chopped
1 medium Sweet Potato, chopped
1/2 – 1 lb (450g) Yellow Yam
3 tablespoons Homemade Chicken Soup Mix (23g)
3 Scallion, chopped
4 Garlic Cloves, chopped
1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper
1/2 tablespoon (2g) Parsley
1/2 teaspoon (1g) Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (2g) Onion Powder/Granules
6 sprigs of Thyme
10 Pimento Berries
Pink Salt, to taste (if needed)
2 cups (272g) Gluten-Free Flour
1/2 cup (120ml) Warm Water
1/2 teaspoon (3g) Pink Salt

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Instructions

Set a large pot on the stove and bring the vegetable stock to a boil.
As it heats up, add half of the pumpkin to the pot.
Let it boil for 10 minutes, then use a potato masher or fork to crush the pumpkin, creating the soup base.
To prepare the dumplings, mix the flour and pink salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add warm water to the mixture, forming a soft dough ball.
Break off dough pieces about the size of a golf ball and shape them into discs or roll them into long, thin shapes known as spinners.
Drop the dumplings into the pot.
Next, add all the remaining ingredients except the parsley, black pepper, onion powder, and coconut milk.
Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer for an hour.
Halfway through, pour in the coconut milk and sprinkle in the parsley, black pepper, and onion powder. Taste and add pink salt if needed, stirring well to combine.
Allow it to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, during which the soup will thicken. Mash more pumpkin for a denser consistency.
Before serving, take out the thyme stems, scotch bonnet pepper, and pimento berries.

Notes

Blend some of the cooked pumpkin with coconut milk for a creamier texture.
Adjust spice level by removing seeds from scotch bonnet pepper before adding.
Enhance flavor by roasting pumpkin before adding to soup.

Mastering Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

Fundamentals

To craft the perfect Jamaican Pumpkin Soup, start with quality ingredients. The pumpkin should be fresh, providing the soup with its signature creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Pair it with coconut milk for a rich and velvety base. The combination of vegetable stock and shredded jackfruit adds depth, while the spices bring the dish to life.

The heart of this soup lies in its spices. Thyme, pimento berries, and scotch bonnet pepper are essential, infusing the soup with warmth and complexity. They transform the simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. Don’t forget the parsley, scallions, and garlic, which add layers of aroma and taste.

Preparation/Setup

Begin by bringing the vegetable stock to a boil in a large pot. As the stock heats, add half of the pumpkin. After ten minutes, mash the pumpkin to create a creamy base. This step is crucial as it sets the foundation for the soup’s texture.

Next, prepare the dumplings using gluten-free flour and pink salt. Gradually add warm water to form a soft dough, then shape them into discs or spinners. Drop these into the boiling stock, allowing them to cook and absorb the flavors of the soup.

Cooking Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

Technique

Once the base and dumplings are ready, add the remaining ingredients. The combination of carrots, sweet potato, and yellow yam adds heartiness and color to the soup. Be sure to discard the core of the jackfruit before adding it in; its shredded texture mimics pulled meat.

Simmer the soup on medium heat for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together. Midway through, incorporate the coconut milk, parsley, black pepper, and onion powder. This step enhances the richness of the soup, elevating its creamy consistency.

Tips/Tricks

To achieve the ideal texture, mash more pumpkin if you prefer a thicker soup. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding pink salt if necessary. Remember to remove the thyme stems, scotch bonnet pepper, and pimento berries before serving, as these are primarily for flavoring.

For those looking to explore more pumpkin dishes, check out Papadzules with Pumpkinseed Eggs for a unique culinary experience. Or, if you’re in the mood for something refreshing, try this chilled peach soup that’s perfect for warm days.

Refining Your Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

Perfecting Results

The key to a memorable Jamaican Pumpkin Soup lies in its balance of flavors. Make sure each ingredient is harmonized, from the sweetness of the pumpkin to the heat of the scotch bonnet pepper. Achieving this balance ensures every spoonful is a delight.

Patience is essential when simmering the soup. Allow the ingredients ample time to release their flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The result should be a soup that is both hearty and harmonious.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If the soup is too spicy, add more coconut milk to mellow the heat. For a more robust flavor, increase the amount of thyme and garlic. If you prefer a chunkier texture, reduce the amount of mashed pumpkin and let the natural texture of the vegetables shine.

Explore variations by incorporating different root vegetables or adding legumes for extra protein. For more hearty soup ideas, visit soups, stews, and salads for inspiration. And for a fun twist on pumpkin, these golden pumpkin balls are a must-try!

Serving Jamaican Pumpkin Soup

Serving/Presentation

When serving Jamaican Pumpkin Soup, presentation is key. Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of dumplings and vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

The vibrant orange of the pumpkin contrasted with the green of the herbs makes for an inviting dish. It’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in.

Pairings/Storage

This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of steamed rice. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a light salad of mixed greens. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup in portions. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove. This soup not only tastes better the next day but also makes for a convenient meal option.

Conclusion

Jamaican Pumpkin Soup is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Its vibrant flavors and creamy texture make it a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this soup offers a delightful culinary journey. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to bring a taste of the Caribbean into their home.

So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the comforting warmth of Jamaican Pumpkin Soup. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and a reminder of the joy that comes from cooking with love.