Creamy Egyptian Spinach Soup with Basmati Rice
Delight in the vibrant flavors of this Creamy Egyptian Spinach Soup, inspired by renowned chef Nora Pouillon, the visionary behind Nora's, a premier organic restaurant in Washington, DC. This nutrient-rich soup combines the earthy essence of spinach with the warmth of turmeric and the subtle richness of basmati rice, creating a perfect balance of taste and comfort. Whether enjoyed warm on a cozy night or cool during sunny days, this versatile dish is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Substitute chicken broth with vegetable stock for a delightful vegan twist, ensuring all can savor its goodness.
6
Servings
100
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Chicken stock
4 cups (preferably homemade and salt-free)
Scallions
3-4 (finely chopped)
Basmati rice
1/3 cup (N/A)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Spinach
1 lb (well washed, large stems removed, cut into chiffonade)
Plain yogurt
2 cups (N/A)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent.
2
Incorporate the turmeric and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the spice to release its aroma.
3
Pour in the chicken stock, followed by the finely chopped scallions, basmati rice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Be careful not to overcook the rice.
5
Add the prepared spinach, mixing well. Cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and integrated into the soup.
6
For hot serving: In a separate bowl, combine the yogurt and crushed garlic, then stir this mixture into the soup, reheating gently to prevent curdling.
7
For a refreshing cold version: Allow the soup to cool, then add the yogurt and garlic mixture, and puree until smooth for a creamy consistency.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
15g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is a Creamy Egyptian Spinach Soup with Basmati Rice.
Who inspired this Creamy Egyptian Spinach Soup recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Nora Pouillon, the visionary behind Nora's organic restaurant in Washington, DC.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can this soup be served cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed either warm or cooled and pureed for a refreshing cold version.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 100 calories.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable stock and use a plant-based yogurt alternative.
What type of rice is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of basmati rice.
What are the primary macronutrients per serving?
Each serving contains 3g of fat, 15g of carbohydrates, and 5g of protein.
What amount of spinach is needed?
You will need 1 lb of spinach, well washed and cut into chiffonade.
How much yogurt is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of plain yogurt.
What spices are included in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with turmeric, salt, and pepper.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat olive oil and sauté finely chopped onion until soft and translucent.
How long should the rice cook in the stock?
The rice should simmer for approximately 15 minutes until it is tender.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What is the recommended preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped.
How many scallions are used?
The recipe uses 3 to 4 finely chopped scallions.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
How much turmeric is added?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric.
What kind of stock is preferred for this soup?
Homemade and salt-free chicken stock is preferred.
How do you prevent the yogurt from curdling?
For the hot version, stir the yogurt and garlic mixture into the soup and reheat gently.
How do you prepare the spinach for the soup?
Wash it well, remove large stems, and cut it into chiffonade.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fat in this recipe?
Yes, there are 3g of fat per serving.
When do you add the yogurt and garlic mixture?
It is added as the final step before serving, either stirred into the hot soup or pureed for the cold version.
How long do you cook the spinach once it is added?
Cook the spinach for another 5 minutes until it is wilted.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include spinach soup, Egyptian cuisine, healthy soup, vegetarian, and comfort food.
Does this soup contain cholesterol?
The specific cholesterol count is not provided in the data.
What type of oil is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
What is the preparation for the scallions?
The scallions should be finely chopped.