Traditional dishes help to define a culture, its people, and its history. The same holds true for Haitian food. Haiti is a lush, mountainous Caribbean island. It's a lovely location with beautiful beaches. However, one of its most valuable assets is its cuisine. Haitian dishes frequently include root vegetables, smoked pork, and dried fish. The natives grew pineapples, sweet potatoes, and corn for many years. Cultures from Spain, France, and Africa have also influenced Haitian food. The Spanish used to live on the island, eating and growing fruits and vegetables such as limes, sugarcane, mangoes, and rice.
Why Is Haitian Food So Unique?
Haitian traditional foods have distinct flavors that will leave you wanting more. If you enjoy spicy and rich foods, you might enjoy them even more. Everyone enjoys the culinary experience. The griot, for example, is a meal made up of fried pork cubes. The meat cubes are cooked in a marinade of orange or lime juice, chili peppers, and onions that is tangy, sweet, and spicy. Simmering must continue until the pork is tender. They're then fried in a skillet. In Haitian foods, everything is done expertly to ensure you have the best-tasting meals. Haitian food is suitable for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. You can eat everything from goat meat to fried plantains. Continue reading to learn about the five traditional Haitian cuisines you must try.
Soup Joumou (Traditional Squash Stew Haitian Dish)
Squash or pumpkin soup is a Haitian traditional food that symbolizes freedom. On New Year's Day, Haiti celebrates its independence. This flavorful dish is served on this special day in every household. Soup joumou is a savory and thick Haitian stew with vegetables and beef. It also has a rich taste due to the flavors of the chilies, cloves, parsley, and thyme that are in it. The key ingredients for making it are squash and pumpkin.
Here is how to cook Soup joumou:
- Clean the beef by rinsing it in vinegar and water.
- Coat the beef with seasoning, salt, and lime juice and let it marinate for half an hour or overnight.
- Heat the broth. Add the marinated meat and cover it, letting it simmer for the beef to soften.
- Add the squash over the beef and let it continue simmering while covered. Cook the squash till tender, then transfer it to a blender. Puree it till smooth with some broth. Return the puree to the pot for continued simmering.
- Add vegetables like cabbage, celery, potatoes, and turnips. Use spices like onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, pepper, and thyme. Add the remaining beef broth and let the stew simmer.
- Add butter, oil, and vinegar, and allow the beef to simmer under medium-low heat until it becomes more tender.
- Adjust the seasonings as you like.
- Serve the stew along with bread.
Most Haitians add potatoes, squash, carrots, macaroni, and onions to this soup. Lemon juice, ginger, sage, and garlic also add flavor.
Mais Moulin (Cornmeal)
You can eat this simple and quick meal at any time. You can have it for breakfast, during lunch, or even as a meal for dinner.
Mais moulin is a cornmeal dish cooked with leeks and salted water. It is Haitian staple food, and they commonly serve it with freshly squeezed lemon juice and avocado slices. Most Haitian households consider Mais Moulin the go-to dish. It has been eaten for many generations and is an easy meal to prepare, even for individuals with busy schedules. The yellow cornmeal's creamy texture can go well with dried fish or vegetables like spinach or beans. Most people accompany this meal with salted, smoked herring with chili flavor. You can also garnish the moulin with spinach or chard. You can also accompany it with a beverage like Haitian hot chocolate.
Boullion (Beef and Seafood Stew)
Boulion, also called bouyon, is a delicious Haitian food that many enjoy on weekends with their friends and family. It is a beef and seafood stew filled with vegetables, potato chunks, and various flavors to simmer and make it a tasty dish.
In the 19th century, the French made this nutritious meal to fight the cold during winter. As a result, Haiti adapted it from them during the colonial days. However, they tweaked it using the vegetables and spices available in their region. The meal preparation depends on the type of vegetables you use. The popular ones are often spinach, potatoes, cassava, carrots, and plantains.
Signature Espageti (Spaghetti with Haitian twist)
Haitian spaghetti is a unique twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, incorporating traditional Haitian flavors and a variety of meat options. At LaPaix, instead of traditional options, the dish includes hotdog, smoked herring fish, or a combination of both. The spaghetti is cooked in a tomato-based sauce infused with spices such as garlic, onion, and cilantro, along with a Creole seasoning blend that gives it a distinct and delicious taste. Haitian spaghetti is a popular choice in Haitian-American communities and is often served at family gatherings and special occasions.
Pate Aran (Herring Patty)
Pâté Aran is a type of Haitian pastry that is made from a dough that is filled with a savory meat mixture, usually chicken or pork. It is a popular street food in Haiti and is often sold by vendors in local markets. The dough is made from flour, baking powder and butter, and the filling is made from a mixture of meat, onion, garlic, and spices such as thyme and scotch bonnet pepper. Pâté Aran is often served as a snack or as a light meal, and can be eaten on its own or with a side of hot sauce. This Haitian pastry is known for its unique and delicious flavor, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Experience the Best Haitian Cuisine at La Paix Bakery
Count on La Paix Bakery for authentic Haitian meals. Consumers can enjoy a taste of Haiti from the Caribbean flavored meals, pastries, and drinks. You can find some of the best Haitian cooking that will put a smile on your face as you indulge. La Paix Bakery uses high-quality, authentic ingredients, bold spices, and tangy hot sauce to create the typical Haitian dish to satisfy your taste buds. Call us at 954-962-8223 for more inquiries. You can also visit us in Miramar, Florida.
