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Haitian epis recipe

Haitian Epis Recipe

A fresh Haitian seasoning blend made with herbs, garlic, scallions, peppers, citrus, and aromatics. Use this homemade epis to season Haitian oxtail, chicken, beef, rice, soups, and stews.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Course: Marinade, Seasoning
Cuisine: Caribbean-Inspired, Haitian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 small green bell pepper, roughly chopped
  • 4 scallions, chopped
  • 1/2 small yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 packed cup fresh parsley
  • 1 small celery stalk, chopped
  • Leaves from 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, optional

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor

Method
 

  1. Prepare the vegetables

    Wash and roughly chop the bell pepper, scallions, onion, celery, and parsley.
    Peel the garlic cloves and remove the thyme leaves from the stems.

  2. Add ingredients to the blender

    Add the bell pepper, scallions, onion, garlic, parsley, celery, thyme, lime juice, vinegar, oil, black pepper, and optional salt to a blender or food processor.
    Add the Scotch bonnet if you want a spicy epis.

  3. Blend the epis

    Pulse several times, then blend until the mixture is finely chopped and spoonable.
    Do not add a large amount of water. The epis should remain concentrated rather than becoming a thin sauce.

  4. Check the consistency

    Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
    Blend again until the herbs and vegetables are evenly combined.

  5. Taste and adjust

    Taste the epis and adjust the lime, pepper, or salt if needed.
    Remember that this epis may later be used in recipes containing additional salt, so avoid making it excessively salty.

  6. Store

    Transfer the Haitian epis to a clean airtight container.
    Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Notes

  • Haitian epis recipes vary by family and cook, so ingredient combinations are flexible.
  • Keep the texture finely blended but not completely watery.
  • Do not add too much salt if you plan to use the epis in several different recipes.
  • Scotch bonnet is optional.
  • Fresh herbs provide the best flavor.
  • For your Slow Cooker Haitian Oxtail Recipe, use 3/4 cup of this epis.
  • Stir the epis before measuring because some liquid may settle during storage.
  • Always use a clean spoon when removing epis from the container.