I recently discovered a delicious and comforting dish from Iraq called shorba. This hearty soup is a staple in many Iraqi households and is often served during Ramadan or other special occasions. The word “shorba” means soup in Arabic, but this dish is so much more than just a simple soup.
One day, my co-worker and I decided to have lunch at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Los Angeles. As we went over the menu, I stumbled upon Iraqi shorba and decided to give it a try. After a little while, a young Middle-Eastern waitress brought it to our table.
As we enjoyed our meal, one of the staff members suddenly fainted while working. We quickly made sure that he was okay and got him the necessary treatment. After that, I requested the recipe for the shorba from the restaurant chef who agreed to give it to me.
Surprisingly, the recipe turned out to be quite easy. Here are the ingredients it contained: oil, white onion, red lentils, cumin, curry powder, chili powder, boiling water, vegetable stock pot or stock cube, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Accompanied dishes
When it comes to serving shorba, there are a variety of dishes that can be paired with it to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are a few of my favorite dishes to serve alongside it:
- Lamb kebab: The tender and juicy lamb pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful shorba. The combination of flavors and textures is truly delightful.
- Tabbouleh salad: This refreshing salad is a great complement to the hearty shorba. The combination of fresh herbs, tomatoes, and cucumber provides a nice contrast to the warm and savory soup.
- Hummus and pita bread: This classic Middle Eastern dish is always a hit, and it’s a great way to add some extra protein to your meal. The creamy hummus and soft pita bread are a perfect match for the bold flavors of the shorba.
- Fattoush salad: Another great salad option, fattoush is a mix of fresh vegetables and crispy pita chips, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The combination of textures and flavors is a great complement to the warm and comforting shorba.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 1 finely chopped white onion
- 300 grams of red lentils
- 2 teaspoons of cumin
- 2 teaspoons of curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder
- 1.5 liters of boiling water
- 1 vegetable stock pot or stock cube
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Iraqi Shorba?
- To make a delicious bowl of Iraqi shorba, start by heating some oil in a large pan. Next, sauté some onions for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. This helps to build the base of the soup and adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Once the onions are cooked, add in some lentils, spices, vegetable stock, and water. Bring the mixture to a quick boil and then lower the heat to let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty soup.
- After 20 minutes, take the pan off the heat and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This helps to brighten up the flavors and adds a nice tanginess to the soup.
- To serve, you may want to sprinkle some fresh coriander on top of the soup. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the bowl.
Variations of Iraqi Shorba
Vegetarian Shorba
This variation of Iraqi shorba is made with vegetables, spices, and sometimes legumes. The most common vegetables used in vegetarian shorba are potatoes, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. Some recipes also include chickpeas for added protein and texture.
To make vegetarian shorba, the vegetables are first sautéed in oil until they are soft and fragrant. Then, water or vegetable broth is added along with the spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The mixture is simmered until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Finally, the shorba is served hot with a garnish of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
Meat-Based Shorba
For meat lovers, there is nothing quite like a hearty bowl of meat-based shorba. This variation of shorba is made with lamb or beef and a variety of spices and vegetables. The meat is typically browned in oil before being simmered with the vegetables and spices to create a rich and flavorful broth.
Some common vegetables used in meat-based shorba include onions, carrots, and tomatoes. Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves are also added to enhance the flavor of the broth. Once the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together, the shorba is ready to be served hot with a side of bread or rice.
Overall, Iraqi shorba is a versatile and delicious dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you prefer a vegetarian or meat-based version, there is sure to be a shorba recipe out there that will satisfy your cravings.
Tips and Tricks
When making Iraqi shorba, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
- Firstly, make sure to use fresh ingredients. This includes fresh vegetables, meat, and spices. Using stale or old ingredients can result in a less flavorful and less aromatic shorba.
- Secondly, be patient when cooking the shorba. It is important to let the ingredients simmer for a longer period to allow the flavors to fully develop. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the recipe.
- Thirdly, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Some people prefer their shorba to be more spicy, while others prefer a milder flavor. Taste the shorba as it cooks and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Lastly, when serving the shorba, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and authentic Iraqi shorba that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Iraqi shorba is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of spices and ingredients creates a unique flavor that is sure to satisfy any palate. It’s a great dish to serve during the colder months, as it warms you up from the inside out.
One of the best things about Iraqi Shorba is its versatility. You can add different vegetables or proteins to the soup to make it your own. You can also adjust the spice level to your liking, making it as mild or as spicy as you want.
Overall, I highly recommend trying Iraqi Shorba if you haven’t already. It’s a comforting and flavorful soup that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
By the way, shorba pairs perfectly with Arabic kuboos bread.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
