How to make Haitian Bread Soup
Bread Soup is part of the Haitian list of home remedies when you feel sick. Why? I have no clue to tell you the truth. It is maybe because of the nutrients from the veggies and the bread. But whatever it is, it sure works. I consider it the equivalent of chicken soup.
My personal experience with bread soup as a remedy
We grow up loving and hating home remedies, and it is so amusing to see how many people are returning to the old fashion ways. Modern life has shown us plenty of neglect as far as making home remedies and especially homemade soup. Many Haitians have not forgotten their home remedies.
As bad as many of them taste, we cannot say they don’t work. No matter how many grimaces we made, the look on our mother’s face would tell us to be quiet and deal with it.
I can’t tell you how many times I have gotten the “stern” look. I never wanted to play around whenever I would see that look. We often make fun of our parents as we get older because they do not have all the answers. The best is when we realize we are following in their footsteps. Freaky, right!
They warned us, but we did not believe it. Many of us are believers now since we realized that it is better to be healthy than sick. I am glad that many cultures are the same. So I do not feel alone. LOL. So many stories to share and so little time. But we all love our home remedies and, of course, the little things that have passed down from generation to generation.
How to make bread soup
Bread Soup can be made with crusty bread, loaves, etc. but not fruity or nutty bread. I do not trim off the crusts or ends because the bread will be soaked and cooked anyway. Vegetables are always part of the soup. Tomatoes or tomato paste are usually part of it as well.
I prefer some color in my soup, and fresh tomatoes are the answer. Vegetables such as spinach, watercress, and carrots are often used as well.
Remember, a good Bread Soup will make you feel better during the flu season or whenever you are feeling under the weather. Don’t just wait for that to happen; make this delicious soup part of your repertoire, and enjoy. Very hearty and very flavorful.
A few ideas about add-ons for the soup
Vegetables such as spinach, watercress, and carrots are often used in Haitian Bread Soup. Many people also add smoked herrings.
Remember to taste the soup before adding any additional salt.
Use a heavy bottom pan, as the soup tends to form a very flavorful crust.
Haitian Bread Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bread cut in small cubes – use any white or crusty bread
- 4 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 large Garlic Clove finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Onion chopped finely
- 1/2 cup Leek chopped finely – white part and light green part only
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1/2 tablespoon Butter
- 2 cups Tomatoes fresh and diced small
- 1 tablespoon Parsley chopped finely
- 2 Whole Cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pikliz optional
Instructions
- Dice bread and add in large bowl with water. Let soak 5 to 10 minutes. Remove water and reserve. Set aside the bread. Try to squeeze out most of the water while using a strainer.
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, add oil, garlic, onion, leek. While stirring fry mixture until onion and leek are a bit translucent. Add tomato paste and blend well. Add bread and let cook while scraping the bottom occasionally for 2 – 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, parsley, cloves, salt and black pepper and bring to a boil. When mixture starts to boil, add butter and additional salt and pepper to taste. Lower heat and cook uncovered for 10 – 15 minutes while occasionally scraping the bottom of the pot. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
This recipe was originally published on September 27, 2013. More content has been added.
Last year my Haitian husband had Covid and asked me to make this soup. I made it and finally he said it tasted like his mother’s. This America woman had this recipe on repeat. Thanks
I am so glad it helped. You made my day! Thanks for making me smile.
Why remoing the water form the bread? I’ve always seen my people keep the water to add to the soup.
You can do that as well. Everyone has a different way of cooking.
Thank you for this! I miss this soup
Not a problem. Glad to be able to help. 🙂