Haitian-Inspired Basil Epis

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< 1 min read
Summary

Haitian-Inspired Basil Epis is a cornerstone of Haitian cooking, bringing a burst of fresh, bold flavors to every meal. This essential seasoning blend is deeply rooted in Haiti's culinary heritage, where it’s used to elevate everything from meats to stews. This version is made with a mix of basil, parsley, bell pepper, onions, garlic, and thyme. It’s spiced with clove and brightened with lime juice. Blended with extra virgin olive oil, this epis is a versatile, flavorful paste that adds an authentic taste of Haiti to your kitchen.

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time15 minsTotal Time15 mins

Ingredients

 1 cup basil leaves
 ½ cup parsley leaves (roughly chopped)
 2 medium organic bell pepper (seeded and roughly sliced (about 2 cups))
 1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped (about 1 cup))
 3 green onions (roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup))
 5 medium garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
 3 clove spice (whole cloves)
 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
 1 tsp thyme leaves
 2 tsp extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil (optional)

Directions

1

Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until chopped and mixed well but still chunky.

2

If using olive oil, drizzle it into the epis while the mixture continues to blend. Blend into a pesto-like consistency. It should still have some texture rather than a smooth consistency.

3

Store Haitian Epis in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays and add them to dishes as you like. See suggestions below!

Chef’s Notes

Substitutions
If you’d like more heat, use a blend of chilis like habaneros and jalapeño in place of ½ bell pepper. Depending on the desired spice level, use 1 to 4 chilis.

In place of basil, use more parsley.

Add 1–2 stalks of celery if desired.

Storage
Store Haitian Epis in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size

120g


Amount per serving
Calories60
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.5g4%
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 10mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Total Sugars 4g
Includes 0g Added Sugars0%
Protein 2g

Calcium 50mg4%
Iron 3.8mg22%
Potassium 250mg6%
Vitamin D 0mcg0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Ingredients

 1 cup basil leaves
 ½ cup parsley leaves (roughly chopped)
 2 medium organic bell pepper (seeded and roughly sliced (about 2 cups))
 1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped (about 1 cup))
 3 green onions (roughly chopped (about 1/2 cup))
 5 medium garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
 3 clove spice (whole cloves)
 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
 1 tsp thyme leaves
 2 tsp extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil (optional)

Directions

1

Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until chopped and mixed well but still chunky.

2

If using olive oil, drizzle it into the epis while the mixture continues to blend. Blend into a pesto-like consistency. It should still have some texture rather than a smooth consistency.

3

Store Haitian Epis in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays and add them to dishes as you like. See suggestions below!

Notes

Haitian-Inspired Basil Epis