Haitian lalo is an iconic dish of traditional southern Haitian cuisine, particularly popular in the Les Cayes region. Rich in flavor and deeply rooted in the local culinary culture, this dish is prepared with lalo leaves (shrub), pork, and crab, slowly simmered with a blend of Creole spices. Its slightly viscous texture, inherited from the lalo leaves, may be surprising, but it contributes to the dish’s authenticity and creaminess.
In this article, discover the complete recipe for Haitian lalo, with practical tips for successfully preparing this dish like a true Haitian chef. Whether you’re curious to try a traditional dish or want to reconnect with your roots, this recipe offers a true culinary journey to the heart of Haiti.
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- 12 cups dried lalo leaves
- 2.5 lbs sliced pork feet
- 1 kg fresh or frozen crab legs
- 1 lb cubed skin-on pork belly
- 9 cups water
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch fresh parsley
- 4 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 5 garlic cloves
- 2 mild green chilies
- 3 green onions
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes (2 x 67g)
- 90 ml fish sauce (Nuoc-mâm)
- 5 tbsp. 1 tbsp (75 ml) canola or olive oil
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Yield: 6-8 servings
1. Soak the lalo leaves in 8 cups of water for at least 3 hours or overnight.
2. To prepare the spice blend, grind the onion, green onions, parsley, garlic, chicken bouillon cubes, chili pepper, and 4 tbsp. of oil until smooth.
3. Boil the pork feet for 3 to 5 minutes in boiling water to remove any scum.
4. In a large, covered saucepan, add the remaining 1 tbsp. of oil and brown the pork belly pieces with the thyme for 5 minutes. 5. Add the pig’s feet, then mix with the spice mix, fish sauce, and crab.
6. Remove the crab legs, then pour the lalo and soaking water over the pig’s feet and belly. Mix.
7. Return the crab to the lalo with the whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 2 hours.
- Soak the lalo leaves in water the night before. The liquid will be greenish and viscous; save for cooking.
- After boiling the pig’s feet, remove them and set aside. Do not keep the liquid.
- To brown the pork belly, add the whole thyme sprigs. Remove the thyme sprigs before mixing them with the lalo. - Cover the pan and simmer over medium heat for about two hours to soften the lalo stems and pig’s feet.
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December 1 marked an exceptional moment for the Haitian community and beer lovers around the world, with the official launch of “Ewo” beer by Haitian entrepreneur Jhonson Napoléon. After the success of “Kola Choucoune”, already present in several countries, including the United States and Canada, it is the turn of “Ewo” beer to take the American market by storm. Available in several cities in the United States, this beer embodies the perfect marriage between tradition and innovation, offering consumers a unique taste experience. “Ewo” beer is much more than just an alcoholic beverage. It is a delight that skillfully blends the authentic flavors of Haitian culture with a touch of innovation. In a country where Prestige beer and Barbancourt rum have already conquered palates around the world, “Ewo” beer is proudly added to the list of Haitian taste treasures. Jhonson Napoléon, the man behind this new creation, continues to fly the colors of Haïti across the globe. His commitment to promoting quality Haitian products continues to strengthen the reputation of his country of origin. “Ewo” beer is not just a drink, it is a symbol of Haitian creativity and perseverance that transcends borders. This new step demonstrates the country’s ability to be part of the global trend for quality craft beers. “Ewo” beer is not only a leading local product, but it also stands out on the international scene as the representative of a rich and dynamic culture. The pride that Haitians feel for the success of Jhonson Napoléon and the growing fame of “Ewo” beer is palpable. It is a success story that transcends geographic boundaries and embodies the strength of the Haitian entrepreneurial spirit.
In a digital world largely dominated by Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Haïti is witnessing the birth of an innovation that could well be a game-changer: Toupatou, a 100% Haitian social network. Designed by a young local talent, this project embodies both the ingenuity of Haitian developers and the desire to create a platform adapted to local needs.
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Cultural exploration offers a fascinating window into the richness and diversity of world heritage. Among destinations that captivate with their history, art and unique identity, Haïti stands out as a cultural gem worth discovering. b~Historical heritage:~b The history of Haïti is marked by the resilience of the Haitian people in the face of slavery, colonization and political challenges. It is the first independent state in Latin America and the only one founded by a successful slave revolt. Haiti’s historical heritage is reflected in its art, music, dance and beliefs. b~Art and Crafts:~b Haitian artistic expression is vibrant and powerful. Naive painting, famous for its bright colors and narrative themes, has its roots in Vodou traditions and local folklore. Haitian artists have gained international fame by capturing the mystical spirit and daily life of the country. b~Music, rhythm of the Haitian soul:~b Music is the pulsating soul of Haiti. From direct compass to voodoo to jazz to rasin, each musical genre has a deeply rooted history in Haitian culture. The iconic band, Boukman Eksperyans, fuses traditional rhythms with modern influences, creating a unique sonic experience that transcends boundaries. b~Dance and movements:~b Dance in Haïti is a celebration of life and spirituality. Voodoo dances, such as Yanvalou and Banda, embody sacred rituals while preserving African heritage. The graceful movements and colorful costumes tell stories from Haitian history, creating a deep connection between past and present. b~Spirituality and Voodoo:~b Vodou, often misunderstood, is an essential component of Haitian culture. It is a syncretic religion that combines African, Native American and Catholic elements. Vodou ceremonies, with their intoxicating dances and mystical rituals, are powerful expressions of Haitian spirituality and are rooted in the quest for connection with ancestors and deities. Exploring the Haitian soul means delving into a world where history, art, music and spirituality intertwine to form a unique cultural web. Haiti, with its diversity and resilience, offers an experience rich in emotions and discoveries. Whether through the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince, the vibrant art galleries or the captivating rhythms, every corner of this Caribbean country reveals a captivating facet of its deep and living soul.
When it comes to choosing the perfect destination to spend the summer, Haïti emerges as a hidden gem in the Caribbean. With its favorable climate, sunny beaches and dazzling natural beauty, this island offers a unique and memorable tourist experience.
In the annals of the history of Haiti, an island located in the Caribbean at the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico and shared with the Dominican Republic, Jean-Jacques Dessalines emerges like a phoenix from the ashes of oppression. Born a slave on September 20, 1758 in the home of Henri Duclos, in Cormier (Grande-Rivière-du-Nord), in the French colony of Saint-Domingue, Dessalines was a Creole of African (Afro-Caribbean) origin. Freed during the 1794 abolition achieved through slave revolts, actually served as an officer in the French army during the French Revolution. At that time, the ideas of freedom and equality were at the heart of the concerns of the inhabitants of the colonies. Dessalines actively participated in the fighting against the Spanish and British forces, alongside the French, in Santo Domingo. Having risen to the rank of Lieutenant General, Jean-Jacques Dessalines turned against the French during the Leclerc expedition, sent to Saint-Domingue by Bonaparte to reestablish colonial authority and slavery during the Haitian Revolution. After the capture and deportation of Toussaint Louverture to France on June 7, 1802, Dessalines assumed a leading role in continuing the struggle for independence. He led numerous battles, including the battle of Crête-à-Pierrot in March 1802, where he galvanized his soldiers with his famous declaration: “Let those who want to remain slaves of the French leave the fort, let those, on the contrary, who want to die as free men, line up around me.” On January 1, 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines achieved the long-awaited goal of independence by proclaiming Haïti as a sovereign nation, becoming the second country in the Americas to gain independence from a colonial power. He became the first leader of the newly formed nation and was named Emperor under the name James I. However, his imperial reign was marked by authoritarian and brutal policies, including the massacre of many white settlers and the redistribution of land to peasants that was in the hands of the generals of the independence army. In addition, he organized the hunt for delinquents in the city while implementing rigorous agrarian policies, considering that they represented a threat to the stability of the nation, these controversial actions caused divisions within Haitian society. Dessalines was assassinated on October 17, 1806 following a plot organized by some of his generals in the Haitian army. His death marked the end of his brief but influential period in power. Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, he is recognized as the main architect of Haiti’s independence and his name was honored in 1903 by being attributed to the Haitian national anthem, La Dessalinienne, composed by Justin Lhérisson.Finally, the great visionary man Jean Jacques Dessalines remains an emblematic figure in the history of Haiti, recognized for his role in the fight for independence and the end of slavery in the region.
First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.
Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.
Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.
