As someone who loves trying new and exotic foods, I was happy to discover Iraqi kubba soup. This hearty soup is a staple in Iraqi cuisine and is made with a unique combination of ingredients that create a delicious and satisfying flavor.
The key ingredient in kubba soup is kubba, a type of dumpling made from ground meat and bulgur wheat. The filling of the dumplings contains a spiced meat mixture and is then boiled in a flavorful broth. The result is a soup that is both rich and filling, perfect for a cold winter day.
What I love about kubba soup is the depth of flavor that comes from the combination of spices and herbs used in the broth. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or just looking for a new soup to add to your recipe collection, Iraqi kubba soup is worth a try.
I remember the day my family and I had lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Phoenix. As we went over the menu, the Iraqi kubba soup drew my attention. After a little while, a middle-aged waiter brought it to our table. The aroma was heavenly, and I couldn’t wait to try it. The soup had a unique taste that I had never experienced before. It was a combination of tangy and savory flavors that blended perfectly.
During our meal, a fire broke out in the kitchen. It was a scary experience, but luckily, the staff put it out pretty quickly. After the commotion settled, I requested the recipe from the restaurant chef who agreed to give it to me.
The recipe contained kubba dough made from cracked wheat, semolina, water, and salt. The ground beef filling included ground beef, onion, and parsley. The sour soup consisted of oil, onion, carrots, swiss chard stems, eggplant, tomato paste, pepper paste, salt, citric acid, black pepper, red pepper, and hot water.
I couldn’t wait to try making the soup at home and share it with my friends and family.
Accompanied dishes
When it comes to Iraqi kubba soup, many dishes pair well with it. As someone who has enjoyed this soup many times, I have found that the following dishes make great accompaniments:
- Lamb kebab: The tender and juicy meat of a lamb kebab pairs perfectly with the rich and savory flavors of kubba soup. Plus, the grilled flavor of the kebab adds a nice contrast to the warm and comforting soup.
- Arabic rice: A side of Arabic rice is a great way to balance out the flavors of the soup. Furthermore, the light and fluffy rice provides a nice contrast to the thick and hearty soup.
- Stuffed grape leaves: Stuffed grape leaves are a classic Middle Eastern dish that pairs well with kubba soup. The tangy and slightly sour flavor of the grape leaves complements the rich and savory flavors of the soup.
- Fried eggplant: This is a great side dish to serve with kubba soup. The crispy texture of the eggplant provides a nice contrast to the smooth and creamy soup.
Ingredients:
Kubba Dough:
- 2 cups of cracked wheat
- 2 cups of fine semolina
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tsp of salt
Ground Beef Filling:
- 800 gr. of ground beef
- 1 medium finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
Sour Soup:
- 1/2 cup of oil
- 1 small sliced onion
- 3 sliced carrots
- 3 stems of Swiss chard or celery
- 1 sliced eggplant
- 1/2 cup of tomato paste
- 1/4 cup of mild pepper paste
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of citric acid
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 1 tsp of red pepper
- 3-4 cups of hot water
How to make Iraqi Kubba Soup?
Making the kubba dough:
- To make the kubba dough, put cracked wheat, room-temperature water, semolina, and salt in a big bowl. After mixing it well, leave it for 30 minutes.
- After that, knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s soft.
Making the ground beef filling:
- Add ground beef to a large pan on medium heat and cook it until brown. Then, add fresh parsley, chopped onions, black pepper, and salt, and cook for an additional five minutes.
- Allow the ground beef mixture to cool down before you start assembling.
Assembling:
- Dip your hand in water and take some dough to make a ball about the size of a golf ball. Do the same thing with the rest of the dough and place them in a large tray.
- Then, create a hole in the center of the ball using your index finger, and then gently press the sides to make them thin by turning the dough ball.
- Add about 2 tablespoons of stuffing and then close the ball. Dip your fingers in water to shape the ball. After stuffing and shaping them, lay them in a large tray that could fit in your freezer. Once hardened, transfer them into a ziplock bag.
Preparing the soup:
- Start by sautéing chopped vegetables in a large pot over medium heat with some oil. Do this for about ten minutes, or until they become soft.
- Then, add mild pepper paste, tomato paste, salt, water, black pepper, citric acid, and red peppers and Mix until everything is well blended.
- Pour in water and the shaped kubbas, then let them simmer over medium heat without a lid for 20-30 minutes or until the kubbas are tender. Stir it gently to prevent the kubba from sticking to the pot.
That’s it! Now you know how to make delicious Iraqi Kubba soup.
Popular Variations
I’ve found that there are many variations of Iraqi kubba soup, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
- Kubba Hamuth: This variation is made with a filling of ground meat, onions, and spices, wrapped in a dough made of semolina and bulgur. The dough is then boiled in a tangy broth made with tamarind and dried mint. This soup is popular in northern Iraq and has a sour and savory taste.
- Kubba Labaniyah: This variation is made with a filling of ground meat, onions, and rice, wrapped in a dough made of semolina and bulgur. The dough is then boiled in a creamy broth made with yogurt, garlic, and mint. This soup is popular in central Iraq and has a tangy and refreshing taste.
- Kubba Bamia: This variation is made with a filling of ground meat, onions, and okra, wrapped in a dough made of semolina and bulgur. The dough is then boiled in a tomato-based broth with spices like cumin and coriander. This soup is popular in southern Iraq and has a rich and hearty taste.
- Kubba Halab: This variation is made with a filling of ground meat, pine nuts, and spices, wrapped in a dough made of wheat flour and bulgur. The dough is then fried and served in a tangy broth made with tamarind and dried mint. This soup is popular in Aleppo, Syria, and has a sweet and sour taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making this soup, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid to ensure that your soup turns out delicious.
Using the Wrong Type of Meat
One of the most common mistakes that people make when preparing kubba soup is using the wrong type of meat. While beef is a popular choice, it can be tough and chewy if not cooked properly. Instead, consider using lamb or veal, which are more tender and flavorful.
Overcooking the Kubba
Another mistake that people often make is overcooking the kubba. This can cause the kubba to become tough and dry, which can ruin the texture of the soup. To avoid this, be sure to cook the kubba for only a few minutes until it is just cooked through.
Not Using Enough Seasoning
Kubba soup should be flavorful and aromatic, so it’s important to use plenty of seasoning. Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to the soup to enhance its flavor. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to give the soup a bright, fresh taste.
Not Letting the Soup Simmer
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes that people make when preparing kubba soup is not letting it simmer long enough. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty soup. Be sure to let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes to ensure it is fully cooked and flavorful.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your kubba soup turns out delicious every time.
Conclusion
I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring the world of Iraqi cuisine and discovering the delicious flavors of kubba soup. This traditional dish is a true delight for the taste buds, with its rich and hearty broth and tender, flavorful meat filling.
Whether you are a seasoned chef or a curious foodie, I highly recommend giving kubba soup a try. With its comforting and satisfying qualities, it is a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a special occasion with loved ones.
I hope that my article has provided you with some valuable insights into the world of Iraqi cuisine and the joys of kubba soup. As always, happy cooking!
One more thing: kubba pairs well with samoon Iraqi bread.
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