The Haitians call this “Soup Joumou.” If they have the money to buy the ingredients, they will eat it on January 1st, each year. But for those poor Haitians who have little or no money, it will be a sad day.
This special soup was forbidden to the slaves during the French Colonial rule, but once they were set free and gained their independence on January 1, 1804, it became “a symbol of their independence” to be celebrated each January 1st. In the soup is pumpkin, salt, lemon juice, leek, cabbage, celery, potatoes, yams, carrots, pork, pasta, squash, cloves and hot sauce. Sherry and I have always had “Soup Joumou” every January 1st in Haiti. Delicious!
Look for pictures later this afternoon of the prisoners eating their big bowls of “pumpkin soup,” which is a great joy to them! Thank you, Partners, for sharing your love for those in prison! Happy New Year!
Bobby and Sherry