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One of my featured recipes is Haitian epis—a household staple in Haitian cuisine. Épis is a vibrant, aromatic seasoning base that’s the heart of many traditional Haitian dishes. It’s incredibly easy to make and gives all my food a fresh and flavorful taste that’s unmistakably Haitian. Every family has their own twist on it, but it always brings a burst of flavor that’s deeply rooted in our culinary culture.
Photograph by Steph Ovile for Haitians Who Blog
Epis is a versatile and aromatic herb and vegetable blend that serves as the foundation for many Caribbean dishes, particularly in Haitian cuisine. This flavorful paste is made by blending various fresh herbs, vegetables, and seasonings. Epis acts as a flavor enhancer and marinade, infusing dishes with a vibrant, complex taste profile characteristic of Caribbean cooking.
Next, how do you use epis and what are its benefits. In Haitian Haitian Kreyòl, the word epis, also known as zepis or epise, means spices. While it is a combination of ingredients, it has a variety of uses.
| How do I use Epis? |
| Meat marinade |
| Flavor enhancement for soups and stews |
| Nutritional boost |
| Seasoning base |
| Dipping sauce |
1. Flavor enhancement: Epis adds depth and complexity to dishes, elevating the taste of meats, vegetables, and grains.
2. Time-saving: Preparing a batch of epis in advance allows for quick and easy meal preparation later.
3. Nutritional boost: The blend of herbs and vegetables in epis provides various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
4. Versatility: Epis can be used in multiple ways – as a marinade, seasoning base, or flavor enhancer for soups and stews.
5. Cultural connection: Using epis in cooking helps maintain a connection to Caribbean culinary traditions.
Put it is everything!
Tapping in some of our favorite Haitian foodies, here is how Stephanie makes her Haitian epis
Gather ingredients:
Preparation:
Wash all herbs and vegetables thoroughly you do not want your epis tasting like the dirt and grime sitting on the vegetables. Be sure to roughly chop the ingredients to make it easier for your epis to be blended.
Blending:
Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender until smooth or chunky depending on the consistency you are looking for. I suggest to use the pulse setting until a smooth paste forms. Be sure to taste the epis and adjust seasoning to the desired taste you are looking for.
Storage:
Transfer the epis to clean, airtight containers preferably a glass container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage This container will keep it fresh for over a month.
The best supplies for making epis, jars, blenders and more
And boom there you have it, the flavor of Haiti ready to use for every dish you cook.
About Stephanie Ovile
Hi, I’m Stephanie Ovile, a Haitian food and lifestyle content creator with a lifelong passion for cooking. My love for the kitchen started at age 9 when our house cook, Solange, taught me how to make my first meal—spaghetti. From that moment, I was hooked, spending countless hours learning and cooking meals for my family.
At 13, I even dreamed of becoming a chef and landed a summer internship at La Réserve. After my first exhausting day, I came home, fell asleep immediately, and didn’t wake up until the next morning! Through that experience, I realized that being a chef in a restaurant is very different from cooking at home. While I still loved creating dishes, I knew the professional kitchen wasn’t the right path for me.
Even though I didn’t pursue a culinary career, my passion for cooking never faded. Today, I share my love for food with my amazing Instagram community, focusing on healthy, delicious recipes.
Exciting news: I’ll be selling my own Haitian Épis very soon and will announce the launch on my Instagram page @stephovile in October! Stay tuned for more updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I adjust the ingredients in epis?
A: Yes, epis recipes can vary based on personal preference and regional variations. Feel free to adjust the quantities or types of herbs and vegetables used.
Q: How long does epis last?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, epis can last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
Q: What dishes can I use epis in?
A: Epis is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including marinades for meats, bases for soups and stews, and as a seasoning for rice and vegetable dishes.
Q: Is epis spicy?
A: The level of spiciness in epis can be adjusted based on personal preference. The inclusion of scotch bonnet peppers will add heat, but this ingredient is optional.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh herbs are preferred for the best flavor and aroma, dried herbs can be used as a substitute if fresh ones are unavailable. However, the flavor profile may differ slightly.
I’m all about health-conscious choices, and I’m thrilled to share my culinary journey with you all.
Above all, there is no right way of making epis. You can make it green, orange, red whatever you like. One thing stands for sure, epis needs to be flavorful, tasty, and used across all cooking spaces. Make yourself a big pot and share the wealth of the flavor of Haiti!
