The Soup Of Independence Day In Haiti

As I was approaching the age of ten, I often reflected on the memorable moments with the thoughts of my love ones, most specially my grandmother, who does no longer live today. At that age, my maternal grandmother, and my mother were the most important family member that I deeply treasured the company of being present around. Up to now, I felt the value of life and family, as well as the effect from their presence every day in my life.
My childhood days were filled with plenty of joy and comfort from my grandmother. She was probably in her sixty’s when she came to live with my mother and I, years after her husband was deceased. Like many rural Haitians of her generation, she didn’t have a birth certificate and could only vaguely recall, as …show more content…
I can never forget the joy standing by her in the kitchen. She taught me everything thing that I need to know about cooking up to these days. One of my favorite dishes that I learned from grandma Charline was Squash soup (soup Joumou, read jou mou), the traditional soup of New Year’s Day in Haiti, which is also a Sunday morning soup. Most people called it “ The soup of Independence” because Haiti Independence Day is January 1st. This is a tradition that happily continues to this day in my family. The meat can be cooked one day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until ready to use. The estimated time for the soup is approximately two hours including time to cook the meat. While the meat is cooking, put the squash in a large pot of water, and cook over medium heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain squash, reserving the cooking liquid. Add squash puree, carrots, vegetables, and pasta. Season with salt and pepper if necessary. Boil uncovered until vegetables are tender then add cooked meat for at least 4 minutes. It has a smooth and delicious base filled with pieces of vegetables and meat. It is served at breakfast with toasted