Senegalese Lemon Soup

Senegalese Lemon Soup Recipe - Deliciously Flavorful African Cuisine

Region / culture: Senegal | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Senegalese Lemon Soup is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the tangy taste of lemon with the richness of yogurt and chicken broth. This soup is perfect for any time of year, whether you want a light and refreshing meal in the summer or a comforting and warming dish in the winter.

History

Senegalese Lemon Soup is a traditional dish from Senegal, a country in West Africa known for its vibrant and diverse cuisine. This soup is often served as a starter or as a light meal, and is loved for its bright and zesty flavors.

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
1 tsp curry powder
2 tsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup yogurt
0.5 lemon
dash of paprika
snipped fresh chives

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the curry powder and flour and cook for 1 to 1.5 minutes, stirring. Blend in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in the yogurt, adding it a little bit at a time to prevent curdling. If serving the soup warm, reheat it over a low flame until heated through but do not boil. Finish by squeezing in the juice from the lemon. Serve warm or cold, topped with a sprinkle of paprika and garnished with fresh chives.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a heartier version of the soup.
Use coconut milk instead of yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Add chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or spinach for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to gradually stir in the yogurt to prevent curdling.

- If serving the soup warm, reheat it over a low flame to avoid boiling.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Senegalese Lemon Soup as a light meal with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. It can also be served as a starter before a main course.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to gradually stir in the yogurt to prevent curdling.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

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

- Substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt for a thicker and creamier consistency.

Make Ahead Tips

Senegalese Lemon Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it over a low flame before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Senegalese Lemon Soup with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a bowl with a slice of lemon on the side for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Senegalese Lemon Soup with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a wheat ale. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Senegalese Lemon Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it over a low flame until heated through, being careful not to boil it.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 100 per serving

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 8g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 3g

Fats

Total Fat: 5g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Proteins

Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% of the Daily Value

Calcium: 10% of the Daily Value

Iron: 4% of the Daily Value

Alergens

Contains dairy (yogurt)

Summary

Senegalese Lemon Soup is a low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamin C and calcium. It is a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Senegalese Lemon Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any time of year. With its bright and zesty flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it as a light meal or as a starter before a main course for a taste of Senegalese cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit the local library to browse through their collection of cookbooks. As I perused the shelves, a particular book caught my eye - a book on African cuisine. Intrigued, I picked it up and began flipping through its pages.

As I scanned the recipes, one in particular stood out to me - Senegalese Lemon Soup. The combination of flavors and ingredients sounded unique and enticing, and I knew I had to try making it myself. I quickly jotted down the recipe and returned home to gather the necessary ingredients.

I followed the recipe carefully, making sure to measure each ingredient precisely. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the soup simmered on the stove was absolutely intoxicating. When it was finally ready, I ladled myself a bowl and took my first spoonful. The flavors exploded on my taste buds - the tangy lemon, the earthy spices, the creamy coconut milk. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

I couldn't wait to share this new recipe with my family and friends. My grandchildren were the first to taste it, and they absolutely loved it. They begged me to make it again and again, and soon it became a staple in our household.

Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have added a touch of ginger for a bit of heat, and I sometimes throw in some shrimp or chicken for extra protein. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful day at the library when I discovered this hidden gem of a recipe.

I have since learned that Senegalese Lemon Soup is a traditional dish in Senegalese cuisine. It is often served as a starter or as a light meal, and it is believed to have restorative properties. The combination of lemon, coconut milk, and spices is said to be good for the body and soul, and I can certainly attest to that.

I have shared this recipe with many of my friends over the years, and it has become a favorite among them as well. They often request that I make it for special occasions, and I am always happy to oblige. It brings me joy to see the smiles on their faces as they savor each spoonful of this delicious soup.

I feel grateful to have stumbled upon this recipe all those years ago. It has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, and I will continue to make it for as long as I am able. The Senegalese Lemon Soup holds a special place in my heart, and I am grateful for the memories and experiences it has brought me.