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Haitian Bean Soup (Soup Pwa)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

  • 300 g (1 1/2 cups) dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
  • 1.5 litres (6 cups) water
  • 150 g (1 cup) calabaza pumpkin, cubed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 small carrot, sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

  1. Drain the soaked beans and place in a large pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 1 hour until beans are very soft.
  2. Add the pumpkin, carrot, onion, garlic, thyme, and whole Scotch bonnet; simmer a further 20 minutes until the pumpkin is soft.
  3. Remove the Scotch bonnet. Blend the soup (in batches if needed) until smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
  4. Return to the pot, stir in the oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Simmer 5 more minutes to blend the flavours, then serve hot with white rice.

Introduction: A comforting, simple soup made from puréed red or black beans, soup pwa is a common everyday lunch or light dinner, often thickened with a bit of squash or plantain and enjoyed with white rice.

Cultural Background: A comforting, simple soup made from puréed red or black beans, soup pwa is a common everyday lunch or light dinner, often thickened with a bit of squash or plantain and enjoyed with white rice.

Tips: For an extra-smooth texture, pass the blended soup through a fine sieve before the final simmer.

Variations: Black beans or pigeon peas can be used instead of kidney beans. A splash of coconut milk adds richness in some family recipes.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding water to reach desired consistency.

Nutrition: Approx. 210 kcal, 11 g protein, 5 g fat, 33 g carbohydrate, 9 g fibre per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use canned beans to save time?

A: Yes, use about 3 cans of drained beans and reduce the initial simmering time to 20 minutes.

Q: Is soup pwa served as a starter or main?

A: It is typically served as a light main course over rice, rather than a starter.

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