The Iroquois and the Cherokee called corn, bean, and squash “the three sisters” because they nurture each other like family when planted together.
What is Three Sisters Soup?
Three Sisters Soup features a delicious combination of corn, beans and squash. It has been passed down through many generations of Indigenous families accross North America, not only to keep a tasty tradition, but to pass on legend.
We proudly serve Three Sisters Soup at KWEYcuisine year round and invite you to give it a try!
Soup has always been important in Native American culture, not only as a form of nourishment, but as a way to bring people together.
“It’s a time to tell stories around the soup,” said Jeanette. “If I’m having fry bread with it, or if I have a soup that my mother used to make, then it brings up those memories about our parents or grandparents and those gatherings. It’s just a good time.”
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, we asked some of our Native American employees to share with us about a dish or recipe that is significant to their culture or family. One response that came up repeatedly was Three Sisters Soup, a hearty mix that includes three of the main indigenous crops of North America: corn, squash, and beans. We reached out to our friends at Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor, New York, to learn more about this special dish.
“The Three Sisters are the corn, beans, and squash in the soup,” said Friends of Ganondagan Program Director Jeanette Jemison (Mohawk). “Many different tribes across the U.S. have their own version, which contain corn, beans, and squash, but it’s their variety of corn, their variety of beans, and their variety of squashes. They are different in each region.”
“When I’m making it with my mom, stories come up. I learn about what she and my family went through,” said Mary. “When we’re cooking, we’re in the mindset of honoring everyone before us, and those conversations just come naturally.”
CHICKASAW “THREE SISTERS SOUP” RECIPE | Native American Heritage Month
FAQ
What is the story behind Three Sisters soup?
Why are the three sisters called the three sisters?
What is the story with the 3 sisters?
What are the three sisters in Native American cooking?
What is three sisters soup?
The combination of corn, beans and squash creates a satisfying meal that provides sustainable energy. Corn provides carbohydrates, beans provide fibre and protein and squash is high in vitamins and more fibre. To combine these three foods to is to create a nutrition power house! We serve Three Sisters Soup as part of our catering menu.
What does three sisters soup taste like?
In the Three Sisters Soup, the corn adds a sweetness that balances the earthiness of the squash, while the beans provide a hearty crunch. Together, the three ingredients create a flavorful and nutritious dish.
How do you make three sisters soup?
When the corn is about 5 inches tall, plant four bean seeds, evenly spaced, around each stalk. About a week later, plant six squash seeds, evenly spaced, around the perimeter of the mound. The Three Sisters Soup recipe is a traditional Native American recipe from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) nation.