Craving a heartwarming, flavorful soup that transports you to the sunny shores of the Caribbean? Look no further! This Pepper Pot Soup recipe is a delicious and surprisingly easy dish perfect for a cozy night in or a vibrant weeknight dinner. This classic Caribbean stew boasts a rich, deeply satisfying broth, packed with tender meats and aromatic spices. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a hearty six servings. Adjust quantities as needed for your group.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced (or less, to taste)
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup okra, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
- Cooked dumplings or cassava (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Building the Flavor Base
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and scotch bonnet pepper (adjust the amount based on your spice preference) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your delicious pepper pot soup.
Step 2: Browning the Meats
Add the beef and pork cubes to the pot and brown them on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of your pepper pot. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot.
Step 3: Simmering to Perfection
Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), okra, green beans, potatoes, allspice, thyme, cloves, and bay leaf. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the meats are very tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor becomes!
Step 4: Serving Your Delicious Pepper Pot
Once the meat is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with cooked dumplings or cassava for a truly authentic Caribbean experience.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pepper Pot Soup:
- Spice it up: For extra heat, add more scotch bonnet pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Conversely, reduce the amount or omit it entirely for a milder soup.
- Slow and low: Low and slow cooking is key to tender meat and a deeply flavorful broth. Don't rush the simmering process!
- Meat selection: Feel free to substitute other meats like chicken or lamb for a variation on this recipe.
- Vegetable variations: Add other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or callaloo for a customized flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This easy pepper pot soup recipe is perfect for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, showcasing the best of Caribbean cuisine. Enjoy this fantastic recipe – it’s sure to become a go-to in your culinary repertoire!