If you are looking for a little soup inspiration this fall, consider trying out some Caribbean-inspired soups. You can make them on your own or get a real authentic experience by purchasing them directly from your local Caribbean restaurant.

Cow Heel Soup

Cow heel soup is from Trinidad and Tobago. The primary ingredient in the soup is cow heel, as they make use of all parts of the animal. There are many different variations of cow heel soup, although most contain split peas, okra, carrots, and onions. Some people also add dumplings to this soup, and others do not. The seasoning is usually straightforward, with just a little salt and pepper. It has a thing broth filled with hearty ingredients. This is a light soup that can be eaten on its own, or as a side dish before digging into something even more hearty. 

Chicken Foot Soup

Chicken foot soup is popular in Jamaica. Once again, it ensures that all parts of the animal are used responsibly. It is generally made with things such as carrots, potatoes, yams, and pumpkins, making it a hearty soup. Seasonings such as thyme and pimento are used for a little flavor kick. It is a soup that is often served with a little bread on its side and served as a weekend dinner.

Peas and Dumplings

In the Bahamas, peas and dumplings are some of the most popular soups. The dumplings are made with a little flour, salt, pepper, and milk. Often, coconut milk is used instead of cow's milk. It usually contains carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, stewed tomatoes, onions, and peas. You often find variations that include plantains, goat peppers, and coconut milk. This is a soup that is made to fill you up and is often served as the main dish, not a side dish. It is often served with johnnycakes.

Manish Water

Another Jamaican soup is Manish water. It is made with various goat parts, such as the legs, intestines, head, and testicles. It also contains green bananas, hot peppers, coconut, yams, and dumplings. Sometimes rum is added to the soup as well. This soup is often served at festivals and large gatherings in Jamaica. It has a thin base, with a lot of kick in it, making it a great soup to eat outside on a chill day. 

The soups listed above are just a few of the soups you can make on your own or pick up from your local Caribbean restaurant. They are inspired by the different countries found throughout the Caribbean and thrive on locally sourced ingredients and readily available ingredients in the region.