Join me on a flavorful journey to a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bronx, where the traditional Libyan sharba soup takes center stage. Additionally, let a young Lebanese man introduce you to his family’s secret recipe and explore the rich culture of the Middle East. Savor the delicious flavors and bask in the kindness of a stranger. Finally, bring the taste of the Middle East into your own kitchen and recreate the unforgettable experience!
One afternoon, I found myself in a small Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bronx, New York City. I was there with my friend, looking for some delicious and authentic food. While we were looking through the menu, we noticed a young Lebanese guy preparing the dishes in the kitchen. Moreover, the aroma of the spices filled the air, making our mouths water.
After ordering, we were served a hot bowl of Libyan sharba, a traditional soup made with lamb, vegetables, and spices. The flavors were bold and intense, with just the right amount of heat. Meanwhile, as we savored the soup, we noticed a commotion at a nearby table. A customer was refusing to pay his bill, claiming dissatisfaction with the food or service.
The owner of the restaurant, a kind and soft-spoken man, tried to reason with the customer, but to no avail. The customer was adamant and refused to pay. As the tension in the air grew, the young Lebanese guy who had cooked our soup stepped forward. He calmly spoke to the customer, asking what was wrong with the food.
The customer muttered something unintelligible and continued to refuse to pay. The Lebanese guy then offered to cook another dish for the customer, free of charge, in an attempt to make things right. However, the customer was still not satisfied and stormed out of the restaurant, leaving behind a tense atmosphere.
As my friend and I finished our meal, I found myself fascinated by the young Lebanese guy’s cooking skills. Additionally, I asked him about the ingredients in the soup and the spices he used. To my surprise, he opened up and shared some of his secrets with me.
While we chatted, I asked him for the recipe for the Libyan sharba. He hesitated at first, explaining that it was a family recipe passed down from his Libyan grandmother. However, I persisted, telling him how much I loved the flavors and how I wanted to try and recreate it at home.
After some convincing, he finally agreed to share the recipe with me. He took out a pen and paper and carefully wrote down each ingredient and step, making sure I understood everything. I thanked him profusely and promised to do the recipe justice.
As I left the restaurant, I couldn’t help but reflect on the experience. Firstly, despite the tense situation with the customer, the young Lebanese guy had remained calm and composed. Secondly, he had shown me kindness and generosity by sharing his family recipe with me, despite it being a closely guarded secret.
The recipe itself was not just a list of ingredients and steps. It was a glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Middle East. Each spice and herb had a story, each step had a significance that went beyond just cooking a meal. While I was cooking the soup at home, I felt a connection to the Lebanese guy, to his grandmother, and to the rich and diverse culture of the Middle East.
To sum up, the afternoon I spent in a Middle Eastern restaurant in the Bronx was an unforgettable experience. The flavors, the smells, and the atmosphere all contributed to a truly immersive experience. The young Lebanese guy’s generosity in sharing his recipe with me was the icing on the cake. I will always remember the taste of the Libyan sharba, and the kindness of the people who cooked it.
Here is how I recreate the Libyan sharba at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. cubed lamb or beef
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 peeled and diced carrot
- 1 diced celery stalk
- 1 diced zucchini
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. coriander
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 8 cups water or broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
How to create Libyan sharba?
- Heat some olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the lamb or beef on all sides (about 5-7 minutes), then set aside.
- Using the same pot to cook, add the onion and garlic and allow to soften for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the carrot, celery and zucchini in the pot for an additional 5 minutes, stirring as needed.
- Add the cooked or canned chickpeas along with its herbs and spices: tomato sauce, tomato paste, paprika, turmeric, cumin, coriander and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Stir to combine them all.
- Add the meat and 8 cups of water/broth to the pot and bring the soup to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour until tender. The vegetables will be cooked through as well.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Would you like to take your Libyan Sharba experience to the next level? Try these unique and amazing twists!
Adding Harissa: Harissa is a North African chili paste that can be used to add some heat and complexity to the traditional Libyan Sharba recipe. To use harissa, simply add a spoonful or two to the soup along with the other spices and seasonings. You can adjust the amount to your liking, depending on how spicy you prefer your soup.
Using Lamb Neck: Instead of using cubed lamb or beef, you can use lamb neck to make the soup. Lamb’s neck is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that adds a lot of richness to the soup. Simply add the lamb neck to the pot and let it cook for several hours until it’s tender and falling off the bone.
Adding Lentils: Another way to add some depth to the soup is to add lentils. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber and they also add some texture to the soup. Simply add a cup or two of lentils to the soup along with the other vegetables and let them cook until they’re tender. You can use red or green lentils, depending on your preference.
The traditional Libyan Sharba recipe is a delicious and satisfying soup that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. However, adding some unique twists to the recipe, such as using lamb neck, adding lentils, or incorporating harissa, can take the dish to new heights and elevate your dining experience. So why not give one of these twists a try and see for yourself how they can transform this classic recipe!
