Shurit Ads

Shurit Ads Recipe from Saudi Arabia - Red Lentil Soup with Aromatic Spices

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shurit Ads is a traditional Middle Eastern lentil soup that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cold day. This recipe is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.

History

Shurit Ads has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. It is a popular dish in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria, where lentils are a common ingredient in many traditional recipes.

Ingredients

2 cups red lentils
2 qt (1.89 liters) stock
1 medium onion, peeled and quartered
1 medium tomato, quartered
2 tsp garlic, coarsely chopped
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp onion, finely chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
black pepper, freshly ground
lemon, cut into wedges

How to prepare

Wash the lentils in a large sieve or colander under cold running water until the water runs clear.
In a heavy 4 to 5 qt (4.73 liter) pot, bring the stock to a boil over high heat.
Add the lentils, onion, tomato, and garlic. Reduce the heat to low and simmer partially covered for 45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a small skillet over moderate heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are soft and deeply browned.
Set aside off the heat.
Puree the soup by passing it through a food mill or pouring the entire contents of the pot into a sieve set over a deep bowl. Use the back of a large spoon to force the ingredients through, pressing down hard on the vegetables before discarding the pulp.
Return the soup to the pot and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 3 or 4 minutes to heat through.
Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper, and taste for seasoning.
Just before serving, stir in the remaining 3 tbsp of oil.
To serve, ladle the soup into a heated tureen, sprinkle lightly with the reserved browned onions, and serve the lemon wedges separately.

Variations

Add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor and texture.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Browning the onions adds a rich flavor to the soup, so be sure to cook them until they are deeply browned.

- Pureeing the soup gives it a smooth and creamy texture, so be sure to pass it through a food mill or sieve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shurit Ads with a side of warm pita bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Puree the soup for a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use green or brown lentils if you don't have red lentils on hand.

- Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make this recipe vegetarian.

Make Ahead Tips

Shurit Ads 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

Garnish Shurit Ads with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of cumin, and a wedge of lemon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Shurit Ads with a side of hummus, tabbouleh, or grilled vegetables for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Shurit Ads in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shurit Ads contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shurit Ads contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shurit Ads contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Shurit Ads contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Shurit Ads is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Shurit Ads is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with food allergies or intolerances.

Summary

Shurit Ads is a nutritious and delicious soup that is high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Shurit Ads is a delicious and nutritious Middle Eastern lentil soup that is perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Shurit Ads. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Fatima in her bustling village in Lebanon. The scent of spices and herbs filled the air as we strolled through the colorful market, surrounded by vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

As we made our way through the lively streets, Fatima suddenly stopped in front of a small stall selling an array of spices and seasonings. She greeted the vendor with a warm smile and exchanged a few words in Arabic before turning to me with a gleam in her eye.

“Have you ever tried Shurit Ads?” she asked, her voice filled with excitement. “It’s a traditional Lebanese dish that my grandmother taught me how to make. It’s delicious, and I think you’ll love it!”

I had never heard of Shurit Ads before, but I was eager to learn more about this intriguing dish. Fatima purchased a few key ingredients from the vendor, and we headed back to her cozy kitchen to begin the cooking process.

As we worked side by side, Fatima shared the story of how she had learned to make Shurit Ads from her beloved grandmother. She described how her grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully preparing each ingredient with love and dedication.

“She always told me that the key to a successful dish is to use the freshest ingredients and to cook with patience and passion,” Fatima said, her eyes shining with fond memories.

Together, we chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced tomatoes, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. Fatima expertly seasoned the mixture with a blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, adding a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before.

As the dish simmered on the stove, Fatima taught me how to prepare the traditional Lebanese flatbread that would accompany the Shurit Ads. She showed me how to knead the dough until it was soft and pliable, then shape it into thin rounds that would be cooked on a hot griddle until golden and crispy.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as we plated the Shurit Ads and flatbread, garnishing them with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. The first bite was nothing short of a revelation – the flavors danced on my tongue, each bite bursting with a harmonious blend of spices and herbs that transported me to a far-off land.

As I savored each mouthful, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to learn this treasured recipe from my dear friend Fatima. Her passion for cooking and dedication to preserving her family’s culinary heritage had inspired me to explore new flavors and techniques, enriching my own culinary repertoire in the process.

Since that fateful day in Fatima’s kitchen, I have continued to make Shurit Ads for my family and friends, sharing the story of how I first learned to make this delicious dish with each new person who tries it. And as I reflect on the journey that led me to discover the magic of Shurit Ads, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past and to create lasting memories with those we hold dear.