Recipe: Tchaka soup (Haiti)

This Haitian recipe for tchaka soup includes dried corn, red beans and a host of other flavors reminiscent of seeds brought to the island from Africa during the slave trade.

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1-12 ounce bag of dried corn


• 1-12 ounce bag of small red kidney or pinto beans


• 1 1/2 pounds salt-cured pork feet or smoked turkey


• 1 pound of calabaza or kabocha squash, chopped into large pieces


• 1 chayote, peeled and cubed or sliced


• 1 can of coconut milk


• 3 cloves of garlic, thyme and other green seasonings


• 1 packet of chicken bouillion


• 1 Habanero or scotch bonnet pepper


• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

• Boil the beans and the corn in separate stock pots using unsalted water for 1 1/2 to two hours.


• In a separate saucepan, add water to the smoked meat until it comes to a full boil and then drain.


• Combine the beans and corn with their remaining cooking liquid into one pot and add the smoked meat.


• Add the coconut milk and when it all comes to a boil, add the garlic, chicken bouillion, thyme, other green seasonings and the pepper.


• Let simmer until the desired thickness is achieved. Serve hot as a main dish.


• Enjoy!