Cow foot soup is one of those hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals that Jamaicans have long cherished. This rich and flavorful soup is not just about nourishment; it’s about comfort, tradition, and the joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. Made with slow-cooked cow’s feet, this soup has a unique, gelatinous texture that gives it a luxurious mouthfeel, packed with nutritious vegetables and savory dumplings. If you’re looking to recreate that warm, satisfying taste of a truly hearty Jamaican meal, this cow foot soup will do just that.

Jamaican Cow Foot Soup

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 2 lbs cow feet, chopped into pieces
• 10 cups water (or enough to cover the cow feet)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 medium Irish potato, peeled and diced
• 1 medium yellow yam, peeled and cubed
• 1 small chocho (chayote), peeled and diced
• 2 stalks scallion, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional, for heat)
• 2 pimento berries (allspice)
• 1 packet Grace Cock Soup Mix or Pumpkin Soup Mix (optional, for added flavor)
• 4-6 dumplings (optional)
• 1 tbsp vinegar (for cleaning the cow foot)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation Summary:

Prepare the Cow Feet:

1. Clean the cow feet by rubbing them with vinegar and rinsing under cold water. In a large pot, add the cow feet and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cow feet are tender and the broth has a gelatinous consistency.

Add the Vegetables:

1. Once the cow feet are tender, add the sliced carrots, diced Irish potato, yellow yam, and chocho to the pot. Allow the soup to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through.

Season the Soup:

1. Stir in the chopped scallion, thyme, onion, garlic, and pimento berries. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper whole for a mild heat (be careful not to burst it unless you prefer your soup spicy).
2. For extra flavor, add a packet of Grace Cock Soup Mix or Pumpkin Soup Mix, stirring it into the pot. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add Dumplings & Final Touches:

1. If you’re adding dumplings, prepare them while the soup simmers and drop them into the pot. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the dumplings are fully cooked and the soup thickens slightly.
2. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving if you want to control the heat level.

Cool & Serve:

1. Ladle the cow foot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good mix of tender cow feet, vegetables, and dumplings.

This Jamaican Cow Foot Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing you the warmth and heartiness of a traditional Jamaican kitchen. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or to warm up on a cold day, this soup is sure to satisfy your craving for something deeply nourishing. For more detailed instructions and tips on making Jamaican cow foot soup, check out Jamaican Recipes. Enjoy this flavorful and hearty dish, and let it remind you of the rich culinary traditions of Jamaica!