Surinamese-Style Vegan Soup

Ingredients

While the original Serbian Posna juha typically includes ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and celery, this Surinamese adaptation replaces them with tropical vegetables such as sweet potatoes, okra, and bell peppers. The traditional Serbian flavors are transformed into a vibrant blend of Surinamese spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Additionally, coconut milk is added to create a creamy and tropical twist. We alse have the original recipe for Posna juha, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (150g) okra, trimmed and sliced 1 cup (150g) okra, trimmed and sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 8g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. 2.
   Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, and coriander, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the diced sweet potatoes, sliced okra, and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Surinamese-style vegan soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Make sure to dice the sweet potatoes into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Okra — Trim the okra and slice it into thin rounds for a pleasant texture in the soup.
• Coconut milk — Shake the can of coconut milk well before using to ensure the creamy part is well mixed with the liquid.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or green beans for extra variety.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or rice for a more substantial meal.
• Adjust the lime juice according to your taste preference for a tangier or milder flavor.
• Garnish the soup with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Surinamese-style vegan soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread or rice for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish each bowl of soup with a lime wedge and a sprig of fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will make the dish visually appealing.