the Hearty & Flavourful History of Jamaican Red Pea Soup

Jamaican Red Pea Soup is a traditional Jamaican dish that has a long history, dating back to the days of slavery. The dish was created by enslaved African people who were brought to Jamaica to work on plantations. They had to use ingredients that were readily available and often had to make do with very little.
​
Red peas, also known as kidney beans, were one of the few ingredients that were readily available to the enslaved people. They were cheap, nutritious, and could be stored for long periods of time. The enslaved people would often make a thick, hearty soup with the red peas, which would be eaten as a main meal.

The dish was also influenced by the West African cuisine, where beans and other legumes are a staple food. The enslaved people would often add ingredients such as smoked pork, yams, and spices to the soup, to give it more flavor and make it more satisfying.

After the abolition of slavery, many Jamaicans continued to make and eat red pea soup, and it became a staple food in many households. Today, it is still a popular dish in Jamaica and is often served as a main meal, particularly in rural areas. It is usually served with rice and can be garnished with scallions, thyme and hot pepper.

It's worth noting that Red pea soup can have variations depending on the family recipe, personal preference, and availability of ingredients.


​