Bahamian Chicken Souse is a vibrant, zesty dish that takes you straight to the heart of the Caribbean. With tender chicken wings simmered in a tangy lime broth, seasoned with a blend of allspice and bay leaves, this dish is both comforting and refreshing.
The hearty vegetables, including carrots and potatoes, soak up the flavorful broth, making each spoonful a burst of island-inspired goodness. It’s a perfect balance of flavors—zesty, savory, and just the right amount of heat from crushed red pepper flakes.
This dish is often enjoyed as a staple in Bahamian homes, particularly for Sunday family meals or special gatherings. But what makes this recipe special is its versatility.
It’s not just about the flavors—it’s also about the process. The ingredients come together in a way that’s simple yet rich in taste, and the slow-simmering method allows all the flavors to marry beautifully.
To take your meal up a notch, serve it alongside a Dill Potato Salad for a refreshing side or pair it with an Aviation Cocktail for a touch of elegance.
I love making this dish when I want something light but filling, with a balance of heat and citrus. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, and I promise, once you try it, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too.
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try?
- A burst of citrusy goodness: The lime juice adds a tangy twist that brightens up the dish.
- Hearty and filling: The potatoes and carrots make it satisfying, perfect for a hearty meal.
- A taste of the islands: The combination of allspice, bay leaves, and seasoned salt gives it an authentic Bahamian flavor.
- Simple but rich in flavor: It’s a slow-simmered dish that’s easy to make but packed with complex flavors.
- Perfect for gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser and always sparks conversation at the table.
Bahamian Chicken Souse Recipe
Equipment
- Large bowl (for marinating)
- Grill pan or regular skillet
- Saute pan (for peppers)
- Rice cooker or pot (for cooking rice)
- Small bowl (for sauce)
Ingredients
- 24 chicken wings separated
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion diced
- ½ green pepper diced
- 6 large potatoes peeled and diced
- 3 carrots diced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 2 bay leaves
- ¾ cup lime juice
- 3 cups water
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken wings in lime juice, seasoned salt, vegetable oil, and spices for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook rice in a rice cooker or pot, then stir in cilantro and lime juice.
- Heat oil in a sauté pan and cook diced onions, green peppers, and carrots until softened.
- Add potatoes to the sauté pan and cook until tender.
- In a large pot, bring water, lime juice, and all spices to a boil.
- Add marinated chicken wings and simmer for 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally garnish with additional lime slices.
Nutrition
Creative Variations For This Recipe!
- Add Coconut Milk: For a richer, creamy texture, try adding a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This will infuse the souse with a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy lime and spices.
- Include Scotch Bonnet Peppers: If you like a bit more heat, add finely chopped Scotch Bonnet peppers to the mix. They bring a fruity, fiery heat that pairs perfectly with the vibrant flavors of the souse.
- Incorporate Sweet Potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, more hearty variation. The slight sweetness balances the spice and acidity of the dish, giving it an extra depth of flavor.
- Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: For an even more flavorful broth, try using bone-in chicken thighs instead of wings. The bones release additional flavor into the souse, making it more robust.
- Herb-Infused Oil: Try infusing your cooking oil with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before sautéing the vegetables. It adds a fragrant note that enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
- Add Tropical Fruit: For a truly Bahamian twist, consider adding some diced tropical fruits like pineapple or mango to the souse. Their natural sweetness will provide an unexpected but delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
- Switch Up the Vegetables: While carrots and green peppers are traditional, you could experiment with adding parsnips, celery, or even zucchini. Each veggie will bring a different texture and flavor profile to the souse.
These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences, offering a more creative approach while maintaining the heart of Bahamian flavors.
