Jamaican Red Peas (Red Beans) soup is a hearty and comforting soup that’s bursting with a mix of herbs, veggies, spices and flavor! It’s made with red kidney beans, vegetables and meat is optional as this soup can be vegetarian also. Red Peas Soup is widely enjoyed in Jamaica. It’s traditionally made with red kidney beans and salted meat such as (salt beef or pork) and loaded with dumplings, carrots, and hearty ground provision, such as yams and potatoes. But feel free to prepare this however you like! If you are seeking a taste of home or a new adventure in flavors, this Red Peas Soup is a comforting reminder of the heartwarming meals shared among family and friends in Jamaica.

 

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Ingredients:

 

1 cup dried red kidney beans (also known as "red peas"), soaked overnight and drained

1 pound  beef (oxtail, beef stew, or shin beef), cut into bite-sized pieces (optional), cleaned 

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 stalks of scallion, chopped

2 sprigs thyme

8 whole pimento seeds (allspice)

1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (adjust to your spice preference)

1 cup diced pumpkin 

1 cup  sweet potato, cubed or cut into sizes

1 cup Irish potato, cubed or cut into sizes

1 cup chopped carrots

1 cup chopped cho-cho (chayote squash)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Water (about 10-12 cups)

1 lb salted Pig’s tail (optional)

1 pack soup mix

2 tsp All Purpose Seasoning

1 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

1 can coconut milk

Fresh Corn, cut into bite size pieces or left whole, your choice

 

Directions:

 

 

In a large pot, add the Red beans and garlic and  cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 mins.

If using Pig’s tail, add to a separate pot with enough water to cover it and then bring to a boil. Repeat this step twice to get rid of any excess salt. Remove and set aside.

Season the beef with 1 tsp All Purpose Seasoning and 1/2 tsp Black Pepper. If you have a homemade Fresh Blend/ Green seasoning feel free to add some. Set aside.

Now add the Pig’s tail to the pot with the beans and cook for 30 mins then add the Beef.

Add the thyme, pimento seeds, whole Scotch bonnet pepper, and the coconut milk.

Pour in 10-12 cups of water, depending on how thick you want your soup.

Cover the pot and let it cook for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the meat and beans are tender.

In a bowl combine flour with enough water while kneading into a tight and not so sticky dough to make your dumplings. Pour the water into the flour in small amounts until a dough is formed. Now separate the dough into equal parts and roll into logs or round disc like dumplings as shown. Set aside.

Add the dumplings, soup mix, 1 tsp All purpose seasoning, 1 tsp Black Pepper, , remainder of the Pimento seeds, diced pumpkin, sweet potato, Irish potato, carrots, Corn, enough salt to taste, onions, green onions and cho-cho to the pot. 

  Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened to your liking.

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the beans and vegetables with the back of a spoon to thicken the soup.

 Remember to remove the Scotch bonnet pepper if you don't want it too spicy.

Serve hot and enjoy your Jamaican Red Peas Soup!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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