Haitian Tchaka Recipe (2024)

Whether you’re cooking for two or for your entire family, this Haitian Tchaka is slow-cooked to perfection and is simple to make thanks to a few ingredients.

Known as one of the most popular national dishes of Haiti, next to theHaitian Black RiceandSoup Joumou, this beans and corn Haitian soup dish is bursting with flavors and spices.

For years, Haitians have savored this delectable concoction of stewed meat, veggies, and seasonings.

It is a hearty and flavorful dish that may be used as a side dish or a main dinner.

Anyone may enjoy Haitian Tchaka, which is a simple and inexpensive cuisine that is sure to please. We’ll delve into the mouthwatering realm of Haitian Tchaka and its preparation further down.

TraditionalHaitian food, known as “tchaka,” has long been a component of the Haitian way of life.

It is a well-known meal that stands for Haiti’s past and culture. A combination of meats, veggies, and spices are used to create the tasty and flavorful stew known as tchaka.

You can eat this substantial stew as an entrée or as part of a larger meal. It is frequently eaten with rice, plantains, or other sides to make a meal that is incredibly tasty and filling.

Key Ingredients

Traditional Haitian food known as tchaka is made from a range of components, including cornmeal, veggies, and meats.

Corn and cornmeal, onions, garlic, parsley, red pepper, scallions, and thyme are the major components.

For this Haitian Tchaka recipe, we are using the Haitian Epis as the base to season the meat and the Haitian Bean Soup.

Lamb instead of pork:For this recipe, lamb is used as a substitute. You can use any meat you’d like. Pork, specifically pig feet is traditionally used to prepare this dish.

Haitian Epis and spices:Adds flavor to the Haitian Tchaka.

Broth:You can use chicken broth, vegetable, or beef broth/stock. It is best to use one that’s low in sodium.

Lemon and Limes:Do not skip adding lemon and lime. The juice from both will help the flavors to be more profound in the Tchaka.

Hot Pepper:For this recipe, we used Habanero Pepper. However, you can use Scotch Bonnet pepper or find asubstitute for cayenne pepper here.

How To Make It

The beans and corn are first washed, drained then soaked overnight or for 10 hours. This will help the gas to be released from the beans and also helps to soften it.

The starch is also reduced from the corn and because we are using hominy corn, this also helps to soften the corn.

If you are able to find large white or yellow corn (for soups), feel free to use that instead. In our region, we were only able to find hominy corn at our local restaurant.

Similar to most Haitian soups, porridge, and stews, the mixture is then cooked in liquid until it takes on the consistency of porridge or lightly creamy soup.

Popularly, this dish is eaten as a side dish or as a dinner. It can also be served as an appetizer all by itself.

To make Haitian Tchaka, start by washing and draining the beans and corn. Place the beans and corn in a large bowl. Then pour about 6 to 8 cups of water over the beans and corn. Cover it with a clean towel, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil and let sit for 10 hours or overnight.

Next, clean and wash the lamb chops. Transfer the lamb chops to a bowl. Pour ¼ cup of the Haitian Epis over the meat and 2 tsp. Kosher salt. Mix well to combine and sit it aside.

Rinse the beans and corn twice and drain. Transfer the beans to the slow cooker.

Next, juice the lemon and lime. Be sure to not add the seeds and pulp. Set aside.

In a large skillet over high heat, add ¼ cup Canola oil, when heated add the meat and sear on both sides for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.

DO NOT discard the seasoning that’s left in a bowl. Pour the broth into the bowl and stir it so that it is mixed with the Epis. Set the broth (bowl) aside to use later.

Once you are done searing the meat, sit the meat aside on a plate. No need to paper towel the plate.

In the same skillet add the chopped onions. Cook for about 2 minutes on medium-high heat. Once the onions start to brown on all sides, deglaze it with ¼ cup Chicken Broth. Let it cook for an additional 45 seconds to 1 minute and remove it from the heat. Set the skillet aside.

Next, over the beans and corn, add the onions and the broth. Then add the meat and its juice. Add 1 cup of Haitian Epis, 1 tsp. Kosher salt, 1 tsp. cumin seeds or ground cumin, lemon and lime juice, broth, and habanero pepper.

Mix well without breaking the pepper. Cover and cook for 4 hours.

After 4 hours, stir the Tchaka gently and return to cooking for an additional 2 hours but no more than 4 hours. The soup should be thick after two hours and will be ready for you to serve and enjoy.

Herbs like parsley and thyme can be used as garnishes to give them an even more genuine taste.

Haitian Tchaka is a delicious side dish or snack that can be eaten hot or at room temperature. If you want to make it a full dinner, you can add somefried plantainsorpikliz(a spicy condiment made from pickled cabbage) on top.

Optional Ingredient Suggestions

To put a twist on the Tchaka, you can also add some crumbled bacon, chorizo, or sausage to your Haitian Tchaka to give it a great savory flavor.

For some extra nutrition and crunch, consider adding different vegetables like zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or tomatoes.

Whatever method you choose to use to prepare your Haitian tchaka, it will undoubtedly be a hit. It’s absolutely worth including in your weekly menu because it’s so straightforward and simple to cook.

What Does It Taste Like?

A delightful fusion of traditional Haitian flavors is Haitian tchaka. It is frequently served as a side dish with other meats like grilled chicken or stewed beef.

The root vegetablemanioc (also known as cassava), onions, garlic, parsley, and tomatoes make up the majority of this dish.

All of these items are prepared in a fragrant and savory sauce with thyme, and hot peppers, among other herbs and spices.

The end product is a flavorful, hot dish that will delight even the pickiest diners. With a tinge of sweetness from the manioc and onions, Haitian tchaka has a distinct, complex flavor.

The herbs and chili peppers add a mild kick to the dish as well. If adding fresh parsley and tomatoes, they add a slight crunch to the textured soup.

Overall, Haitian tchaka is a delicious dish that will definitely titillate your taste buds!

You can be inventive with how you serve it because it goes well with a variety of meats.

In addition, there aren’t many materials needed, and it’s quite simple to make!

Additionally, it may be modified to meet any kind of dietary requirement by substituting beans or vegetables for meat, as necessary.

If you’re seeking a flavorful method to spice up your dishes, Haitian soup is unquestionably something you should give a try.

It’s undoubtedly one of Haiti’s best culinary gifts to the globe, with its distinctive fusion of flavors and textures.

Substitution Ingredients

Haitian Tchaka is a savory dish that may be easily altered.

White rice, ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and plantains are authentic ingredients, but not often added to Tchaka. You can use potatoes, yams, or cassava for plantains.

Use ground pork or turkey instead. Adding green beans or bell peppers can help produce a great vegetarian version of the recipe. Try different spices in Haitian Tchaka. Instead of thyme, try oregano, basil, or cilantro.

Adding cumin or paprika can give the dish more flavor. No matter what ingredients you use, Tchaka is delicious.

Ensure the flavors blend well when creating this dish. The onions should be cooked until soft before adding the garlic to preserve their flavor.

Once everything is prepped, combine the ingredients and simmer over low heat until soft. Serve your homemade Haitian Tchaka with white rice for a great family meal.

Health Benefits

Many Haitians like the traditional dish as it is a tasty and wholesome dinner because it is cooked with beans, vegetables, and spices.

Due to its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content, Haitian tchaka has numerous health advantages.

Legumes, a fantastic source of protein and fiber, are one of the key components in Haitian tchaka. Legumes are present, and they aid in enhancing digestion and lowering cholesterol levels.

Legumes are a fantastic source of iron and zinc, which support the maintenance of a healthy, robust body. Along with a variety of vegetables, Haitian Tchaka also includes herbs, onions, peppers, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes.

These vegetables are a good source of key nutrients, including vitamins A and C, and are high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from cell damage. These vegetables are also able to lower inflammation and enhance general wellness.

Last but not least, Haitian Tchaka includes a variety of spices, including cumin, paprika, and thyme. These spices have anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses.

Additionally, they add another flavor source, which enhances the flavor of Haitian Tchaka. Overall, this dish is a tasty and healthy food that has a number of health advantages.

It can help lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and give the body the nutrition it needs thanks to its blend of legumes, veggies, and spices.

Therefore, this dish can be exactly what you’re seeking if you want a nutritious and delectable lunch.

Your body will appreciate the extra nutrition as much as you will enjoy the delectable flavors. For the greatest results when making Haitian Tchaka at home, use fresh ingredients whenever possible.

To further lower the sodium content of your meal, keep in mind to cook the food in low-sodium broth or water.

To make this delicious traditional dish your own, you may also swap out some items. Last but not least, remember to share your Haitian tchaka with loved ones or friends; that’s how it tastes best!

For years, Haitians have savored this delectable concoction of stewed meat, veggies, and seasonings.

It is a simple and inexpensive cuisine that is sure to please. The root vegetable manioc (also known as cassava), onions, garlic, parsley, and tomatoes make up the majority of this dish.

You can also add some crumbled bacon, chorizo, or sausage to your Haitian Tchaka to give it a great savory flavor.

More Soups To Try

Many Haitians like the traditional dish called Haitian Tchaka. It is a tasty and wholesome dinner because it is cooked with beans, vegetables, and spices.

Due to its high protein, vitamin, and mineral content, Haitian tchaka has numerous health advantages. Haitian Tchaka is a tasty and healthy food that has a number of health advantages.

It can help lower cholesterol levels, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and give the body the nutrition it needs thanks to its blend of legumes, veggies, and spices.

After trying this dish, we recommend trying one of the following soups listed below.

Asparagus Soup

Haitian Soup Joumou

Vegan Haitian Soup Joumou

Ghanaian Light Soup

Vegetarian Minestrone Soup

Beef Noodle Soup

Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

French Onion Soup

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