Jamaican-Style Red Peas – Soup Soothes the Soul

BY NOEL CUNNINGHAM

It’s the time of year when the weather is all over the place and we need something to keep us warm. In light of black history month I am sharing a red peas soup recipe that you can make at home to warm things up. Soups and stews were common among the slaves on weekends when they get a break. They would boil their meat and add whatever provision they could get to make a meal. This tradition passed down to us is why these hearty soups are popular in the Caribbean.

In Jamaica, it is customary for most households to prepare soup especially on Saturdays.  However, red peas soup is an old favourite that soothes the soul any day of the week with some corn and sweet potato!! Some of the popular soups include gungo soup with beef or ham bone and pumpkin soup with chicken feet and sometimes chicken back.

Most of us are focused on getting healthier and making healthier options when it comes to how we eat for 2020. Adding soup to your diet is a great way when it comes to healthy choices because they are filling, nourishing and satisfying.

This hearty red peas soup recipe is so flavorful, comforting and warming. It is perfect for chilly evenings. This soup is a combination of red kidney beans cooked in a flavorful herb infused coconut broth with potato, carrots, yams, dumplings, beef and pigtail

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb. pig tail (cut in pieces) optional
• 1/2 lb. stew beef (cut in pieces)
• 1/2 lb. red peas
• 1 pack Grace cock soup
• 1/2 lb. yam, peel & diced
• 1/2 lb. sweet potato, peel & diced
• Pimento seeds
• 2 stalks escallion
• 1 sprig thyme
• 1 green scotch bonnet pepper
• 1/4 lb. pumpkin, diced
• 1 canned coconut milk
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup cornmeal

Directions

1. Rinse pig tail and beef with vinegar and water
2. Boil pig tail for about 5 minutes to get rid of excess salt
3. In a large pot with water, add beans, pigtails and beef to cook until beans are tender. Constantly add water and stir. By doing this the big and pigtail and beef should be getting tender.
4. Once beans and meat are almost cooked go ahead and add all remaining ingredients.
5. Use the flour and cornmeal to make small dumplings or spinners,
6. Add the coconut milk, salt and pepper to taste. Stir regularly to prevent sticking.
7. Lower flame and allow to simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and enjoy!