Bahamian Chicken Souse

Name: Bahamian Chicken Souse
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Bahamian
Ingredients: 1kg chicken wings and drumsticks; 5 limes, juiced; 2 onions, sliced; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 3 potatoes, cubed; 6 whole allspice berries; 1 bay leaf; 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole; 8 cups water; Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken Souse (CHIK-en sowse)

Spicy Chicken Lime Soup

⏱ Prep Time 15 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 292 kcal

A fiery, lime-laced chicken soup with vegetables and allspice. The go-to Bahamian remedy for everything.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 26.0g

Carbs 20.0g

Fat 12.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free dairy-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot knife cutting board

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep soup bowl

Garnishes: lime wedge

Accompaniments: johnny cake, white bread

Ingredients

1kg chicken wings and drumsticks
5 limes, juiced
2 onions, sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 potatoes, cubed
6 whole allspice berries
1 bay leaf
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole
8 cups water
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Wash chicken pieces with lime juice and water.
2
Place chicken in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
3
Skim foam. Add allspice and bay leaf.
4
Add all vegetables. Simmer 25 minutes.
5
Add remaining lime juice and whole Scotch bonnet.
6
Simmer 10 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
7
Remove bay leaf and Scotch bonnet. Serve in deep bowls with broth.

💡

Did You Know?

Chicken souse is served at nearly every Bahamian wake, funeral, and recovery occasion.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
knife
cutting board

Garnishing

lime wedge

Accompaniments

johnny cake, white bread

The Story Behind Bahamian Chicken Souse

Chicken souse is the most accessible version of the traditional Bahamian souse, using chicken instead of the more expensive seafood or mutton. It became the everyday version of the souse tradition.

On the Calendar: A Saturday morning staple and a common breakfast option at local restaurants.

Legacy: Chicken souse is the dish Bahamian mothers make when someone is sick, sad, or celebrating. It heals all.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast, saturday morning 📜 Origins: 19th century

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!