Antiguan Callaloo Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup made with callaloo (dasheen leaves or spinach), okra, and a flavorful broth, often enriched with coconut milk and seasoned with local spices. This soup is a comforting staple with deep Caribbean roots.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 bunch Callaloo leaves (or spinach)(washed and chopped)
- 0.5 lb Smoked pigtail (or chicken)(cleaned and prepared)
- 1 lb Dasheen (taro root)(peeled and chopped)
- 1 lb Green banana (or plantain)(peeled and sliced)
- 1 lb Sweet potato(peeled and chopped)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic(diced)
- 4 sprigs Thyme
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper(whole or halved, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 can (approx. 13.5 oz) Coconut milk
- 4 cups Water (or chicken stock)(as needed)
- 1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
- Salt(to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch Sugar(optional, to balance flavors)
- 1.5 cups Flour(for dumplings (optional))
- Water(for dumplings)
- 0.25 tsp Salt(for dumplings)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using pigtail, boil it in water for about 30 minutes, changing the water once or twice to remove excess salt and tenderize. Drain and set aside. If using chicken, season with all-purpose seasoning, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- 2
In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in a little oil until softened. Add thyme and chopped callaloo leaves (or spinach). Cook for a few minutes until wilted.
- 3
Add water (or stock), coconut milk, prepared pigtail (or chicken), scotch bonnet pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- 4
Add the chopped dasheen, green banana, and sweet potato to the pot. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 25-30 minutes. Add more water if the soup becomes too thick.
- 5
While the soup simmers, prepare dumplings (if using): Mix flour, salt, and enough water to form a soft dough. Knead briefly and set aside.
- 6
Once vegetables are tender, you can mash some of them against the side of the pot to thicken the soup, or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency (optional). Add the dumplings to the simmering soup and cook until they float and are cooked through.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar if desired. Remove the scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer soup, use chicken stock instead of water.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to control the heat level. You can also remove it before blending if you prefer less spice.
- ✓If callaloo leaves are unavailable, spinach is a good substitute, though the flavor will be milder.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like yams or eddoes.
- For a seafood version, add crab or fish towards the end of cooking.
- Serve with a drizzle of hot sauce.