Safak

Safak Recipe: Authentic Turkish Dish with Fresh Tomatoes and Spices

Region / culture: Turkey | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Safak is a delicious and creamy tomato soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Safak has been a popular dish in Turkish cuisine for many years. It is often served as a starter or as a main course. The creamy texture of the soup comes from the addition of milk and egg, giving it a rich and satisfying flavor.

Ingredients

55 g of all-purpose flour
3 tbsp (40 g) of butter or margarine
5 cups (1200 ml) of water or broth
3 medium-sized tomatoes (375 g)
2 tsp (12 g) of salt
1 small-sized egg (50 g)
200 g of milk
1 g of black pepper
40 g of bread

How to prepare

In a saucepan, melt margarine over low heat. Lightly brown flour in the melted margarine. Stir in hot water and mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil. Add peeled and sliced tomatoes to the saucepan. Sprinkle with salt. Simmer for 30-35 minutes or until the tomatoes are very tender. Transfer the mixture to a food processor container. Process until well blended and creamy. Return the mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for 1 minute. In a separate bowl, combine well-beaten egg and milk, mixing well. Stir in the soup, making sure it is thoroughly mixed. Gently boil the mixture for 1 minute. Sprinkle with black pepper. Top with toasted bread cubes. Serve hot.

Variations

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the flour lightly in the melted margarine to avoid a raw flour taste in the soup.

- Simmer the tomatoes until they are very tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Toasting the bread cubes adds a crunchy element to the soup, so don't skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Safak with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to blend the soup until it is smooth and creamy for the best texture.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Safak can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Safak in individual bowls garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Safak with a glass of red wine or a cup of hot tea for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Safak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 25g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 6g

Fats

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15%

Vitamin C: 20%

Calcium: 10%

Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, Milk, Egg

Summary

Safak is a nutritious soup that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Summary

Safak is a delicious and creamy tomato soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to warm you up on a cold day. Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Safak. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the mountains. My grandmother, may she rest in peace, was the one who introduced me to this unique dish. She had learned the recipe from an old friend who had traveled to far-off lands and brought back with her a treasure trove of culinary secrets.

I can still recall the way my grandmother's eyes sparkled as she told me about Safak. She described it as a dish fit for royalty, made with the finest ingredients and seasoned with a special blend of spices that she had never encountered before. I was intrigued, and begged her to teach me how to make it.

And so, on a bright sunny morning, my grandmother and I set to work in her cozy kitchen. She showed me how to prepare the ingredients, from the tender lamb meat to the fragrant herbs and spices. We roasted the meat over an open flame, letting it cook slowly until it was juicy and tender. The scent that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, a heady mix of savory meat and aromatic spices.

As we cooked, my grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, of the adventures she had had and the people she had met. She spoke of the importance of passing down traditions and recipes from one generation to the next, ensuring that our heritage would never be forgotten. I listened intently, absorbing every word as I stirred the pot and tasted the stew.

Finally, after hours of cooking, the Safak was ready. My grandmother ladled out steaming bowls of the stew, garnishing each one with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of creamy yogurt. I took my first bite, and was transported to another world. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a harmonious blend of savory, spicy, and sweet.

From that day on, Safak became a staple in our household. My grandmother and I would cook it together whenever we had a special occasion to celebrate, or simply when we wanted to treat ourselves to something delicious. Over the years, I mastered the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own taste.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, Safak remained a constant in our lives. I passed the recipe down to my children, just as my grandmother had done for me. It became a symbol of our heritage, a connection to our past and a promise for the future.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of Safak for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel grateful for the rich tapestry of flavors and memories that this dish represents. It is more than just a recipe – it is a link to my grandmother, to my ancestors, and to the traditions that have shaped me into the woman I am today.

And so, as I stir the pot and let the fragrant aroma of Safak fill the air, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. For in this humble stew lies the essence of who I am, a testament to the enduring power of food and family. And for that, I am truly blessed.