Cayman Turtle Soup Recipe (Sopa de Tortuga)
Directions
In a large soup pot over medium to high heat, add turtle meat, water and bay leaves, thyme and stir well. Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes. Add vegetables, potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, and peppers, constantly stirring and simmer until vegetables are tender. Add stock, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Skim any fat that comes to the top.
While Stock is simmering, make the roux. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and slowly add flour, a little at a time, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon. Be careful not to burn. After all of the flour has been added, cook until roux smells nutty, is pale in color, and has a consistency of wet sand, about 3 minutes. Set aside to let cool until soup is ready (roux should be cool when adding to hot soup).
Using a whisk, stir the roux into the stock vigorously, adding a little at a time to prevent lumping. Simmer for about 25 minutes. Stir to prevent sticking on the bottom. Simmer and skim any fat or foam that comes to the top. Add tomatoes and return to a simmer.