Are you tired of the same old recipes and looking for something new and exciting to try in the kitchen? Look no further than keto Yemenite chicken soup! In this article, I’ll take you on a journey to Istanbul, where I discovered the most delicious version of this Middle Eastern classic. I’ll share a recipe that will transport you to the streets of the Mediterranean. In addition, I’ll give you three unique twists to try on this traditional dish that will elevate your taste buds to new heights. Get ready to experience the flavors of Yemenite chicken soup like never before!
One of the most beautiful things about traveling is discovering new foods and flavors that you have never experienced before. That’s exactly what happened to me when I was in Istanbul, Turkey. I visited a Middle Eastern restaurant with a few of my friends.
After trying a variety of dishes that the restaurant had to offer, we were still hungry for something new. That’s when the waiter suggested Yemenite chicken soup made by a Yemenite old man. We ordered it, and it was the best decision we made that day. The soup was rich, flavorful, and comforting, with tender chicken. It had a mix of aromatic spices that made it a feast for our taste buds.
As we were enjoying the soup, we heard a loud crash that startled us all. One of the staff members had accidentally dropped a tray of dishes, causing a commotion. We looked around and saw that the other diners also became startled. However, the staff quickly apologized and cleaned up the mess. The incident did not dampen our experience, and we continued savoring the delicious soup.
After finishing the soup, I couldn’t resist asking the waiter for the recipe. To my surprise, he politely refused, saying that it was a secret recipe passed down through generations and that they did not share it with customers. I was disappointed but respected their decision.
However, as someone who loves cooking and experimenting with different flavors, I could not stop thinking about that soup. I wanted to recreate it myself, so I started to think about the flavors and spices that I had tasted in the soup. I remembered the aroma of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which were likely the base spices used in the soup. Additionally, I also recalled the richness of the chicken broth, which was likely simmered for a long time to extract all the flavors.
Upon returning home from Istanbul, I spent the next few days experimenting with various spice blends and simmering chicken broth in an attempt to recreate the flavor of the Yemenite chicken soup. It took a few attempts, but eventually, I was able to make a soup that tasted similar to the one we had in the restaurant. While it wasn’t a replica, it was close enough to satisfy my craving for that delectable soup.
Reflecting back on that experience, I realized that food is not just about taste and flavors, but also about memories and experiences. That soup was more than just a dish; it was an experience that I shared with my friends in a new and exciting city. Even though I couldn’t get the exact recipe, the experience of trying to recreate it helped me appreciate the flavors and spices used in Middle Eastern cuisine and taught me to trust my taste buds and experiment with new flavors.
My visit to that Middle Eastern restaurant in Istanbul was not just a meal but a memorable experience. The Yemenite chicken soup made by a Yemenite old man was the highlight of our meal, and even though I couldn’t get the recipe, I was able to recreate it myself through experimentation and trial and error. This experience taught me the value of experimenting with new flavors, trusting my taste buds, and appreciating the memories and experiences associated with food.
So here is how I recreate my very own version of keto Yemenite chicken soup.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp coriander
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 6-8 cups of water
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
How to make keto Yemenite chicken soup:
- In a large pot, add the chicken pieces, garlic, onion, celery, carrots, and tomato.
- Mir cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, black pepper, and salt as seasoning for the dish.
- Cover the chicken and vegetables with an inch or two of water.
- Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low, simmering until the chicken is tender, which should take around an hour.
- Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the pot. By using two forks shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the chopped parsley and cilantro. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to fit your tastes, if need be.
Yemenite chicken soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that Yemenite people have been enjoying for generations. While the traditional recipe is delicious on its own, adding unique twists to the recipe can take it to the next level. Here are three unique twists that you can try to give your Yemenite chicken soup a new flavor profile.
Lemon and Chickpea Twist: this twist adds a tangy flavor to the soup and gives it some extra texture. Cooked chickpeas and the juice of one lemon are added to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The chickpeas add protein and fiber to the soup, while the lemon juice adds a bright, acidic flavor that complements the rich broth.
Harissa and Butternut Squash Twist: for those who enjoy a little heat, this twist is perfect. add a tablespoon of harissa paste and diced butternut squash to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The harissa paste adds a spicy kick, while the butternut squash adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a creamy texture.
Apricot and Almond Twist: this twist is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and nutty flavor. add diced dried apricots and chopped almonds to the soup during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The apricots add a sweet flavor, while the almonds add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.
The great thing about these twists is that you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less harissa paste or lemon juice. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add more dried apricots or a touch of honey. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cumin, to create your own unique twist on the classic Yemenite chicken soup.
Thank you for joining me on my keto Yemenite chicken soup experience. Remember, adding unique twists to your Yemenite chicken soup can take this already delicious dish to new heights. With a little experimentation, you can find a twist that suits your taste and enjoy this comforting soup in a whole new way!
