Haitian Pumpkin Soup

In Haiti, “soupe joumou,” also called “freedom soup,” is a hearty stew of meat and squash that is traditionally eaten on January 1st to celebrate Haiti’s independence from France. It is usually made with beef,... but it is just as tasty when made with dark chicken meat. As in much Caribbean cooking, the meat is “washed” in lime juice before marinating and cooking. “Washing” in lime juice boosts taste and kills bacteria on the surface of the meat — smart when living in a hot climate. A little goes a long way with habaneros, and the pierced whole habanero used at the end of this recipe is a great way to get the flavor without too much heat. Choose a pepper that is perfectly whole and sealed. Any more open, and it could make the stew way too spicy.