Description
Homemade Haitian Epis is a vibrant green seasoning paste that brings bold, authentic flavor to Haitian cuisine. Made with fresh herbs, garlic, peppers, and spices, this all-purpose seasoning acts as the foundation for countless dishes—from stews and rice to marinades and soups. Once you make it, you’ll never cook without it again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large green bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bunch green onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 8–10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, stems removed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bouillon cube (optional)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeds removed (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (or 2 tablespoons white vinegar)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed for blending
Instructions
- Rinse all herbs and vegetables thoroughly. Roughly chop them for easier blending.
- Combine bell peppers, scallions, onion, garlic, parsley, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using) in a blender or food processor.
- Add lime juice or vinegar, bouillon (if using), salt, pepper, and oil.
- Pulse and gradually add water until the mixture forms a smooth but thick paste.
- Taste and tweak with more salt, vinegar, or oil as needed.
- Transfer epis to a clean jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for maximum flavor.
- Choose light-tasting oil to avoid overpowering the seasoning.
- Vinegar helps preserve epis longer; lime adds bright freshness.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months in ice cube trays.
- Add extra parsley for green epis, more peppers for spicy epis, or coconut oil for richness.
- Use 1-2 tablespoons per pound of meat or per pot of stew.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Haitian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Haitian Epis, Homemade Haitian Seasoning, Haitian Green Seasoning, Haitian Marinade, Caribbean Sofrito, Haitian Cooking Base, Epis Paste, Haitian Recipes, Vegan Seasoning Paste, Caribbean Condiment