Seasoned Soup with Bread

Yemeni Seasoned Soup with Bread Recipe Featuring Fenugreek Seeds and Chicken

Region / culture: Yemen | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Seasoned Soup with Bread is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines the flavors of fenugreek seeds, tomato puree, and beef stock to create a rich and flavorful soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, where soups are often seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to create complex and delicious flavors. The addition of bread to the soup adds a hearty and satisfying element that makes this dish a complete meal in itself.

Ingredients

1 tbsp fenugreek seeds
0.5 tsp tomato puree
3 cups chicken or beef stock
2 loaves saluf bread (see following recipe) or pita
juice of 2 lemons

How to prepare

Soak the fenugreek seeds in water for 3 hours. Drain the seeds well and finely grind them. Add the tomato puree and 1 tbsp of water, then blend together thoroughly. Place the mixture over low heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat immediately and set aside.
Heat the stock and add the fenugreek mixture. Over medium heat, bring it to a boil while stirring constantly. If the soup becomes too thick, add more stock. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat. To serve, divide the breads into equal portions and place one portion in each soup bowl. Pour the hot soup over the bread, add the lemon juice, and serve immediately.
Serves 4-6.

Variations

Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Add cooked chicken or lamb to the soup for extra protein and flavor.
Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the fenugreek seeds for at least 3 hours to ensure they are soft enough to blend into the soup.

- Stir the soup constantly while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more stock if needed.

- Serve the soup immediately after pouring it over the bread to ensure the bread stays warm and absorbs the flavors of the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Seasoned Soup with Bread with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include soaking, grinding, blending, and simmering.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cumin seeds or mustard seeds instead of fenugreek seeds for a different flavor profile.

- Use any type of bread you prefer, such as whole wheat or sourdough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fenugreek mixture and stock in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just reheat and assemble the soup when you are ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Seasoned Soup with Bread in individual soup bowls garnished with a slice of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Seasoned Soup with Bread with a glass of red wine or a cup of hot tea for a cozy and comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Seasoned Soup with Bread contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Seasoned Soup with Bread contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Seasoned Soup with Bread contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Seasoned Soup with Bread contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Seasoned Soup with Bread is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread. It may also contain traces of nuts and dairy depending on the stock used.

Summary

Seasoned Soup with Bread is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Seasoned Soup with Bread is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was given to me by an old friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who had learned it from her grandmother many years ago. Mrs. Jenkins had always been known for her delicious soups, and I knew that this recipe would be no exception.

I remember the day she handed me the recipe card, yellowed with age and covered in splatters of various spices and broths. The handwriting was delicate and flowery, a stark contrast to Mrs. Jenkins' no-nonsense demeanor. She explained to me that this soup was a family favorite, passed down through the generations, and that she was sure I would love it just as much as she did.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could tell that this was no ordinary soup. The list of seasonings was extensive, including everything from thyme and rosemary to cumin and turmeric. The combination of flavors seemed unusual but enticing, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

I decided to make the soup for dinner that evening, inviting Mrs. Jenkins over to taste the fruits of her labor. As I chopped vegetables and measured out spices, I thought back to all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother, watching her cook and learning her secrets. I knew that she would have loved this recipe, with its complex flavors and comforting warmth.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, Mrs. Jenkins and I sat at the table, catching up on old times and sharing stories. When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and served it with crusty slices of homemade bread.

The first spoonful was a revelation. The broth was rich and flavorful, the vegetables tender and bursting with color. The spices melded together in a symphony of taste, each one shining through in perfect harmony. Mrs. Jenkins took a bite and closed her eyes in bliss, nodding her approval.

"This is just like my grandmother used to make," she said, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "I'm so glad I could pass this recipe on to you, my dear."

I was touched by her words, grateful for the gift of this recipe and the memories that came with it. As we finished our meal and cleaned up the kitchen, Mrs. Jenkins insisted on leaving me with a few more recipes from her collection, each one a treasure trove of flavors and stories.

In the weeks that followed, I made the seasoned soup with bread many times, each batch better than the last. I experimented with different vegetables and seasonings, adding my own twist to the recipe while still honoring its roots. I shared the soup with friends and family, who all marveled at its complexity and depth of flavor.

As I sat down to write this story, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Mrs. Jenkins and her generosity in sharing this recipe with me. It has become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So if you ever find yourself in need of a comforting and nourishing meal, look no further than this seasoned soup with bread. It may take a bit of time and effort to make, but the end result is well worth it. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it on to someone special, just like Mrs. Jenkins did for me.