Grenadian Lambie Waters (Conch Soup)
A hearty and flavorful soup made with tenderized conch meat (locally known as 'lambie'), simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs. This dish is a staple in Grenadian cuisine, offering a taste of the island's fresh seafood.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Conch meat (lambie)(cleaned and tenderized)
- 6 cups Water(or more, as needed)
- 2 medium Carrots(peeled and chopped)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Okra(sliced)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 pieces Pimento peppers(chopped (optional))
- 3 sprigs Fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp Green seasoning(or blend of cilantro, parsley, chives)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 6 small Dumplings(optional, made from flour, water, salt)
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If conch is not pre-tenderized, pound it with a meat mallet until tender. Wash thoroughly with lime juice and rinse to remove slime. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- 2
In a large pot, combine the conch pieces with chopped onion, minced garlic, pimento peppers (if using), thyme sprigs, green seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the conch by about 2 inches.
- 3
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the conch is very tender. Add more water if needed to maintain a soupy consistency.
- 4
Add the chopped carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 5
Add the sliced okra (if using) and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- 6
If using dumplings, drop them into the simmering soup and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they float and are cooked through.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 8
Ladle the Lambie Waters into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Tenderizing the conch is crucial for a pleasant eating experience. Pounding or using a pressure cooker can help.
- ✓Adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your preference. Some variations include dasheen or dumplings.
- ✓Lambie Waters is often enjoyed with a side of fried bake or rice.
🔄 Variations
- Add other root vegetables like dasheen or sweet potato.
- For a spicier version, add a whole Scotch bonnet pepper to the pot while simmering (remove before serving).
- Omit okra if it's not to your liking.