Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb turtle meat, cleaned and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
Special equipment needed:
- Large soup pot
- Ladle
- Soup bowls
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large soup pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the turtle meat and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the carrots, celery, and bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
7. Stir in the lime juice, cilantro, and scallions.
8. Serve hot in soup bowls.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 1200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Turtle meat can be substituted with beef or chicken.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth.
Variations:
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier soup.
Tips and tricks:
- Clean the turtle meat thoroughly before cooking.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Garnish with additional cilantro and scallions for extra flavor.
Storage instructions:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in colorful soup bowls with a garnish of fresh cilantro and scallions.
Garnishes:
Fresh cilantro and scallions
Pairings:
Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caribbean rice and beans
- Fried plantains
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add additional chicken broth or water.
- If the soup is too thin, simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Ensure that the turtle meat is thoroughly cooked before consuming.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.
Food history:
Caribbean turtle soup is a traditional dish in many Caribbean countries, dating back to the indigenous people who used turtle meat as a source of protein.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, slightly spicy, and tangy from the lime juice.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
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