This classic Haitian marinade—often called epis—is the backbone of Haitian cooking. Fresh herbs, aromatics, and spices are blended into a concentrated seasoning base that delivers depth, heat, and balance. Use it to marinate meats, season vegetables, enrich rice, or build soups and stews. A little goes a long way.
Why You’ll Love It
- Foundational and versatile: This Haitian marinade (epis) works across proteins, vegetables, grains, and soups—one recipe, endless uses.
- Bold flavor, clean ingredients: Fresh herbs, aromatics, and spices deliver depth and heat without additives or shortcuts.
- Time-saving by design: Make it once, store it, and instantly elevate everyday cooking with a spoonful.
- Authentic and trusted: A true staple of Haitian kitchens, used as a base for countless traditional dishes.
- Balanced intensity: Herbaceous, savory, and spicy, with a smooth texture that blends seamlessly into any recipe.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Yield: About 1 liter (4 cups)
Ingredients
- 3 heads garlic, peeled
- 2 habanero peppers, halved
- 1½ leeks, roughly chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cups (500 ml) fresh parsley leaves
- ¾ cup + 4 teaspoons (200 ml) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (80 ml) fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ cup (60 ml) ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) curry powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh ginger, roughly chopped
- Olive oil, for finishing
Instructions
- Blend the marinade
Add all ingredients except the olive oil to a high-powered blender. Blend until completely smooth and uniform, scraping down the sides as needed. - Store
Transfer the mixture to a clean, airtight glass jar. Drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the surface to help preserve freshness. Seal and refrigerate.
Storage
Keeps refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, portion and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Use
- Rub onto chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or tofu before cooking
- Stir into rice, beans, soups, and stews
- Use as a bold seasoning base for roasted or sautéed vegetables
Flavor profile: Herbaceous, spicy, savory, deeply aromatic
Cuisine: Haitian / Caribbean
This is a foundational recipe—simple, powerful, and essential.
