How To Make Jamaican Conch Soup?

Conch soup is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in various Caribbean cuisines. Here’s a basic recipe for making conch soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb conch meat, cleaned and diced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup pumpkin, peeled and diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup okra, sliced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional, for heat)
• 1 sprig thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lime or lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Conch:
   • Clean the conch thoroughly and dice it into bite-sized pieces. If the conch is tough, you may need to tenderize it by pounding or mechanically tenderizing. Rinse the conch under cold water.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the diced carrots, potatoes, pumpkin, corn kernels, and sliced okra to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Add Conch and Seasonings:
   • Add the diced conch to the pot. Stir in thyme, bay leaves, and the whole Scotch bonnet pepper (if using).
5. Pour in Broth:
   • Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, ensuring that the ingredients are fully covered. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer.
6. Add Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Continue to simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables and conch are tender.
7. Season and Adjust:
   • Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
8. Serve:
   • Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper, thyme sprig, and bay leaves. Ladle the conch soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve with lime or lemon wedges on the side.

Enjoy this flavorful and hearty conch soup! It’s a delightful combination of tender conch meat and a variety of vegetables in a savory broth. Adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.