Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (2024)

Posted On By Mirlene Last updated 119 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Haitian Epis is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

  • Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (1)

Savory Thoughts:If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you. – Les Brown

This Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) recipe is bold in flavor, easy to make, and is perfect for classic Haitian dishes!

  • Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (2)

When it comes to authentic Haitian food recipes, Haitians have a base seasoning that’s usually included in almost all dishes. Haitian Epis or Haitian seasoning, is mostly the same throughout the country. However, additional ingredients are added depending on the region.

WhatI likeabout Haitian Epis or Haitian Seasoning?

  • Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (3)

The seasoning can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator or longer depending on the ingredients that are used. Some people prepare the seasoning then freeze portions of it for later use. The acid in the seasoning help keep the ingredients from spoiling.

How do you make Haitian Epis?

  • Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (4)

You first need the base ingredients. You will need garlic, fresh parsley, assorted bell peppers, green onions, thyme, olive oil, salt and pepper, and Maggie; however, I do not use Maggie. Instead, I usedbetter than bouillonbecause of the bold flavor. Depending on the person who is preparing the seasoning, sometimes spicy peppers are also added. All of the ingredients are added to a blender and is blended in the form of pesto.

If you love this Haitian Epis recipe, you’ll love it when preparing theHaitian Tasso, steak bites! Check out the video below to make it.

Latest Video:Haitian Tasso

Did you make thisHaitian Episrecipe? Tag me onInstagramorFacebookand please give it a star rating below!

SAVE THISHAITIAN EPISRECIPETO YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS!

  • Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (5)

ALSO, I AM ALWAYS PINNINGTASTY RECIPES,LET’S CONNECT ON PINTEREST!

Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (6)

Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)

Savory Thoughts

Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

4.99 from 81 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Seasoning Base

Cuisine Haitian

Servings 76 Servings

Calories 29 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 10 sprigs Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
  • 10 Cloves garlic
  • 1 cup Bell peppers and onions
  • 1 cup Green onions
  • 2 tablespoon Basil
  • 2 teaspoon Salt and pepper
  • 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup Olive oil
  • cup Apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup Better bouillon vegetable base paste

Instructions

  • Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend to desired consistency, but not liquify. Blend in the form of pesto.

  • Place in a 16oz jar. Refrigerate for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 76ServingsCalories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 145mgPotassium: 14mgVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1.7mgIron: 0.2mg

Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (7)

Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base)

Savory Thoughts

Learn to make Haitian Epis as it is used as the base for almost all Haitian recipes. It is a perfect blend of fresh natural herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and peppers.

4.99 from 81 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish, Seasoning Base

Cuisine Haitian

Servings 76 Servings

Calories 29 kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup Fresh parsley chopped
  • 10 sprigs Thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Whole Cloves
  • 10 Cloves garlic
  • 1 cup Bell peppers and onions
  • 1 cup Green onions
  • 2 tablespoon Basil
  • 2 teaspoon Salt and pepper
  • 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup Olive oil
  • cup Apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup Better bouillon vegetable base paste

Instructions

  • Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend to desired consistency, but not liquify. Blend in the form of pesto.

  • Place in a 16oz jar. Refrigerate for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 76ServingsCalories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 145mgPotassium: 14mgVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1.7mgIron: 0.2mg

Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

« How to Cook Spaghetti Squash Boats (The Right Way!)

Haitian Patties (Haitian Pate) Recipe +BHM Virtual Potluck »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Evita

    Is it 2 tsp each of salt & pepper or 1 tsp of each?

    Reply

    • Mirlene

      Hi Evita,
      It’s 2 tsp each of salt & pepper.

      Reply

  2. Denise

    I can’t find better than bouillon. If I use powdered Maggie is it also 1/4 c.? thanks

    Reply

    • Mirlene

      No. Two tablespoons should be sufficient.

      Reply

      • Dixie Bickel

        Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (8)
        I never made Epis but had it in cooking almost daily for 30 years! This recipe is great tasting and so fresh. The cayenne pepper may have made it a little spicy but I’ll see when I actually cook the Tasso I used it on. Am making Sos Legume. I did put oregano instead of cloves. I don’t like cloves and my friend recommended oregano. Thank you for this recipe.

        Reply

        • Mirlene

          Thank you so much, Dixie!

          Reply

  3. Antoinette

    This seasoning blend gave my food LIFE. It is divine. Thank you so much @savorythoughts for sharing your recipe. I feel like I will be putting this on everything. I recently used it on my baked salmon. So delicious. Thank you again.

    Reply

    • Mirlene

      So glad to hear that, Antoinette. Thank you!

      Reply

  4. Julie

    I am definitely going to try this. Should I leave the stem on the thyme. Also, if I add lemon or lime will it still last as long or do you recommend I add lemon when I am ready to season my meat.

    Reply

    • Mirlene

      Hi Julie,
      Thank you. You definitely want to add the lemon / lime juice when blending. This will help preserve the seasoning. Also, yes, I usually leave the stem.

      Reply

      • Lori

        What can be substituted for the Better than Bouillon? I don’t like that product and am hoping to find a tasty alternative. Thanks!

        Reply

        • Mirlene

          Hi Lori,
          You can use vegetable bouillon cubes.

          Reply

          • Alie

            hello I love this recipe instead of 2 tbsp of basil can I put 1 tbsp of basil and 1 tbsp of dried oregano ? thanks

          • Mirlene

            Hi Alie,
            Thank you very much. Yes, you can use oregano. The taste of oregano is subtle, it will not alter the final result.

« Older Comments

Leave a Reply

Haitian Epis (Haitian Seasoning Base) Recipe - Savory Thoughts (2024)

FAQs

What does Haitian Epis taste like? ›

Once cooked, Haitian Epis gives grilled and stewed dishes an added sweet but spicy flavor. The Epis is not only great for the grill season but can be incorporated in everyday weeknight cooking too. You can cook it down and use it as a side dip with roasted potatoes or plantains.

What is the difference between Haitian Epis and sofrito? ›

Both of them are made with a variety of spices, herbs and vegetables. While they share many similarities, there are also some key differences. Epis is typically made with a base of onions, garlic and bell peppers, while sofrito sometimes includes tomatoes depending on region/culture as well.

What does epis mean Haitian? ›

Epis (/ˈɛpiːs/, Haitian Creole: epis) is a blend of peppers, garlic, and herbs that is used as a flavor base for many foods in Haitian cuisine. Some refer to it as a pesto sauce. It is also known as epise and zepis. It is essential for Haitian cuisine.

What is the most eaten food in Haiti? ›

In general, the average Haitian diet is largely based on starch staples such as rice, corn, millet, yams and beans. All types of meat and seafood are eaten as well, but often only the wealthier residents can afford them.

What is Haiti's most famous food? ›

The most celebrated food in Haitian culture is soup joumou (pumpkin soup). Joumou is eaten on New Year's day or Haiti's independence day. It is consumed as a celebration of freedom from slavery. The slaves were not allowed to eat joumou as it was considered superior.

How long can Epis last in fridge? ›

What I like about Haitian Epis or Haitian Seasoning? The seasoning can last up to 3 months in the refrigerator or longer depending on the ingredients that are used. Some people prepare the seasoning then freeze portions of it for later use. The acid in the seasoning help keep the ingredients from spoiling.

Is Haitian pikliz healthy? ›

Pikliz, like all fermented foods, is a celebration of life. It is not just a condiment, but a living food teeming with beneficial bacteria. While it is low in calories and a good source of vitamins C, K, and calcium, the true magic of pikliz lies in its probiotic content.

What do Haitians call burnt rice? ›

Scorched rice is known as cucayo, pegao, cocolón (Ecuador), concolón, raspa, raspado, graten (Haiti), bunbun (Jamaica) and concón (Dominican Republic) in the Caribbean.

Can you eat Epis raw? ›

Even if you're not making a Haitian dish, you can always add a little bit of this to anything like sautéed vegetables or even as a marinade in chicken or meats. Keep in mind, this isn't something you eat straight out of the container. It has to be cooked with whatever meal you prepare.

What is the Haitian word for wassup? ›

phrase that literally means "what's up".

What is the Haitian word for white person? ›

A Haitian man is always a nèg, even if he is of European descent where he would be called a nèg blan ("white guy") and his counterpart being nèg nwa ("black guy"); all with no racist overtones. Foreigners are always referred to as simply blan regardless of skin-tone, denoting a double meaning for the word.

How would you describe Haitian food? ›

Haitian cuisine consists of cooking traditions and practices from Haiti. It is a Creole cuisine that originates from a blend of several culinary styles that populated the western portion of the island of Hispaniola, namely African, French, indigenous Taíno, Spanish and Arab influences.

What is Haitian marinade made of? ›

In a food processor, coarsely chop the garlic, bell pepper, chili pepper, leek and herbs. Add the oil, salt and pepper. Blend until the mixture emulsifies. Use the remaining marinade for sticky rice or as a marinade for other meat and fish dishes.

What are the Haitian flavors? ›

Have You Tried These 7 Haitian Summer Flavours?
  • Kenèp (Guinep) This fruit is what summer in Haiti tastes like, in a bite. ...
  • Mango. ...
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Kalalou (Okra) ...
  • Militon (Chayote) ...
  • Kowosòl (Soursop) ...
  • Tamarind.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tuan Roob DDS

Last Updated:

Views: 5613

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tuan Roob DDS

Birthday: 1999-11-20

Address: Suite 592 642 Pfannerstill Island, South Keila, LA 74970-3076

Phone: +9617721773649

Job: Marketing Producer

Hobby: Skydiving, Flag Football, Knitting, Running, Lego building, Hunting, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Tuan Roob DDS, I am a friendly, good, energetic, faithful, fantastic, gentle, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.