Authentic Iraqi Shorba: Comforting Spiced Soup
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of our Authentic Iraqi Shorba, a gluten-free dish that is the perfect way to break your fast during Ramadan after iftar and prayers. This delightful soup is not only nourishing but also incredibly satisfying. With the warmth of spices, the zest of fresh ingredients, and a hint of sourness from the dried lime, this soup is a heartfelt blend of tradition and taste. Perfectly versatile, it allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences, making each bowl a unique culinary experience. Gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy this soul-warming dish that embodies the spirit of Iraqi cuisine.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooking onion
1 medium (chopped)
olive oil
1/4 cup (for sautéing)
dried lime (loomi)
1 whole (pierced once with a skewer)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (to enhance flavor)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
tomatoes
1 medium (chopped)
sea salt
to taste (seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (spice)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
carrot
1 large (diced)
yellow potato
1 medium (diced)
chicken stock
3 1/2 cups (homemade preferred)
red lentil
1/4 cup (rinsed)
rice vermicelli
1/4 cup (broken up)
lemon
1 (for squeezing on each serving (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent.
2
Add the whole, pierced dried lime, diced carrot, and potato. Cook for an additional 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3
Mix in the crushed garlic, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground cumin, stirring to combine and release the flavors.
4
Incorporate the chopped tomato and tomato paste before adding the chicken stock and fresh cilantro. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Allow the soup to simmer until the vegetables are nearly tender. Then, add the red lentils, cooking for another 10 minutes until they are softened.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary.
7
Stir in the broken rice vermicelli and cook until they are tender but not mushy.
8
Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot or directly onto each individual serving for an extra burst of flavor.
9
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Iraqi Shorba?
It is a traditional, comforting spiced lentil soup from Iraq, often served during Ramadan to break the fast.
Is this Iraqi Shorba recipe gluten-free?
Yes, according to the recipe description and tags, this version is gluten-free, utilizing rice vermicelli and red lentils.
How do I prepare the dried lime (loomi) for the soup?
The whole dried lime should be pierced once with a skewer before being added to the pot to allow its citrusy flavors to release.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
While the recipe calls for chicken stock, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable stock.
What type of lentils are used in Iraqi Shorba?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of rinsed red lentils, which soften and help thicken the soup.
When is the best time to serve this soup?
It is traditionally served during Ramadan after iftar and prayers, but it makes a nutritious meal for any occasion.
What gives the soup its sour flavor?
The sour notes come from the whole dried lime (loomi) and the fresh lemon juice squeezed in at the end.
How do I handle the rice vermicelli?
The rice vermicelli should be broken up before being added to the pot and cooked until tender but not mushy.
What vegetables are included in this soup?
The soup includes cooking onion, diced carrot, yellow potato, and chopped tomatoes.
How much cumin should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin to provide a warm, spiced aroma.
Do I need to sauté the onions?
Yes, sauté the chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent.
Is fresh cilantro used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is added to the simmer, and more can be used as a garnish.
What is the role of tomato paste in this soup?
Two tablespoons of tomato paste are used to enhance the depth of flavor and color of the broth.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Sauté the carrot and potato for about 7 minutes, then simmer until they are nearly tender before adding lentils.
Can I use homemade chicken stock?
Yes, the recipe specifies that 3 1/2 cups of chicken stock are needed, and homemade stock is preferred for better flavor.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 crushed garlic cloves to be mixed in with the spices.
What should I do if the soup needs more seasoning?
You should taste the soup after the lentils have softened and adjust with more sea salt if necessary.
Is olive oil the primary fat used?
Yes, 1/4 cup of olive oil is used for sautéing the base ingredients.
What is the purpose of piercing the dried lime?
Piercing the lime allows the boiling liquid to penetrate the fruit, releasing its unique aromatic and tangy flavor into the soup.
Can I adjust the ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows you to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences.
How is the soup served?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Is this soup considered 'comfort food'?
Yes, it is described as a soul-warming dish and carries a 'comfort food' tag.
What type of potato should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using one medium yellow potato, diced.
Is the soup spicy?
The soup is spiced with cumin and black pepper for warmth but is not necessarily 'hot' spicy.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pot or directly onto individual servings just before eating.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients including seasonings and garnishes.
Should the tomatoes be peeled?
The recipe calls for one medium tomato, chopped, but does not specify that it needs to be peeled.
Can I use any type of lentil?
Red lentils are specifically called for because they break down easily and create a smoother texture.
What is 'Shorba'?
Shorba is an Arabic word for soup, typically referring to a hearty, seasoned broth.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple sautéing and simmering steps.