In the heart of Iraqi cuisine, there lies a comforting and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Middle Eastern culinary heritage: Suad Shallal's Iraqi Lentil Soup with Meatballs. This traditional soup is a fusion of hearty lentils, succulent meatballs, and an aromatic blend of spices that come together to create a symphony of flavors. The lentils, cooked to tender perfection, provide a rich and earthy base for the soup, while the meatballs, infused with a delectable blend of herbs and spices, add a delightful burst of savory goodness.
Beyond the main lentil soup recipe, this article delves into a collection of variations that cater to diverse taste preferences and dietary needs. For meat lovers, the Iraqi Kofta Meatballs recipe offers a flavorful addition to the soup, while vegetarians can rejoice in the Lentil Soup without Meatballs variation. Those seeking a spicy kick can explore the Iraqi Harissa Paste recipe, a versatile condiment that adds a fiery touch to the soup. Additionally, the Spiced Yogurt Sauce recipe provides a cooling and tangy accompaniment, balancing the richness of the soup.
Whether you're a seasoned cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a novice seeking a taste of Iraqi tradition, this comprehensive article has something for everyone. Dive into the recipes, let your taste buds embark on a journey through the vibrant flavors of Iraq, and experience the warmth and comfort of Suad Shallal's Iraqi Lentil Soup with Meatballs.
SUAD SHALLAL'S IRAQI LENTIL SOUP WITH MEATBALLS
This recipe came to The Times in a 2004 article about iftar, the breaking of the fast during Ramadan, the monthlong Muslim holiday during which observers abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Soup, like this hearty, spiced lentil soup with meatballs and angel hair pasta, is a common iftar meal as it provides substantial nutrition as well as plenty of hydration. It is adapted from a recipe belonging to Suad Shallal, who moved with her family from Iraq to the United States, in 1966. It was served at her son Andy's restaurant, Mimi's American Bistro in downtown Washington, each day during Ramadan. (The restaurant is now closed.) Mrs. Shallal's recipe calls for ground allspice, but feel free to experiment with other spices found in Middle Eastern cooking like cumin, coriander, cardamom and turmeric. And don't forget to taste and season with salt as you go.
Provided by Joan Nathan
Categories pastas, soups and stews, appetizer
Time 45m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Place half the onions and the ground meat, parsley, bread crumbs, salt, pepper and allspice in a medium mixing bowl. Blend ingredients, and form into balls the size of walnuts. Turn onto the baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, remove from pan, and drain on a paper towel. In a soup pot, sauté remaining onions in olive oil over medium heat until golden. Add chicken broth and bring to boil.
- Pick any stones from over lentils, place in bowl, cover with cold water, and drain. Add them to soup, turn heat to low, and simmer slowly for about 20 minutes or until lentils are almost tender.
- Crumble angel hair pasta into soup, along with carrots and meatballs. Simmer slowly for another 5-10 minutes or until lentils and noodles are cooked, adding more chicken broth or water as needed. Just before serving, squeeze lemon into soup.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 543, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 59 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 33 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 1116 milligrams, Sugar 8 grams, TransFat 1 gram
LENTIL-MUSHROOM MEATBALLS
These uber savory meatballs are packed with tons of ingredients with glutamate-the compound responsible for umami. Lentils, onions, garlic, tomato paste, soy sauce and nutritional yeast all play their part in making these vegan meatballs taste meaty. Plus they are full of protein and fiber.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 2h
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- For the sauce: Put the oil and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Swirl until the garlic is just lightly browned and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a high simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the torn basil leaves and 2 teaspoons salt and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 20 to 25 minutes.
- For the meatballs: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush with oil.
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, then add the wheat berries and boil until plump and tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Put the lentils in a medium saucepan with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, until almost all of the water has evaporated and the lentils are soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, drain and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring until soft and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the tomato paste, soy sauce, vinegar and nutritional yeast and cook, stirring, until the liquid has evaporated and is slightly dry, about 2 more minutes. Let cool slightly. Clean out the skillet.
- Transfer the onion-mushroom mixture to a food processor. Add the cooked lentils, wheat berries and parsley leaves. Pulse until the mixture is combined and crumbly but not mushy.
- Put the torn bread into a large bowl and cover with 1/4 cup of water. Let sit at least 5 minutes to soften. Using a fork, mash the soaked bread into a paste. Add the lentil mixture to the bowl with the mashed bread and mix by hand until fully incorporated. The mixture should hold its shape when squeezed gently.
- Shape the mixture by hand into 18 golf-ball sized meatballs. Place about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and don't crumble when gently pressed, 25 to 30 minutes.
- To serve, pour the sauce into a shallow serving bowl. Put the hot meatballs on top of the sauce and garnish with parsley.
POSTRIO'S GOLDEN LENTIL SOUP WITH LAMB MEATBALLS
The relatively short cooking time of these lentils makes this soup simple to prepare. Golden lentils have a bright orange color and can be found in many health food stores. Your family and friends will be delighted with the result and may be a little surprised to find that they are eating lentil soup.
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h25m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 41
Steps:
- Prepare the soup: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot, garlic, turmeric, and cumin. Saute over high heat until the onions are glassy, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, make a bouquet garni by tying together the celery, parsley, and thyme, and add to pan. Stir in the lentils and the chicken stock, season lightly with salt, pepper, and chili flakes, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Skim as necessary.
- Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk. In a mixing bowl, combine the lamb, almonds, soaked bread crumbs, onion, raisins, egg, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and chili pepper flakes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil on the platter you will place the meatballs on and rub oil into the palm of both hands. Form meat mixture into 40 golf ball-size meatballs, each approximately 1-inch in diameter.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or saute pan. Arrange the meatballs in 1 layer in the pan, quickly sear meatballs over high heat, and then place in the oven. Cook until the meatballs are well browned and firm to the touch, turning to brown all sides, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Prepare the garnish: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Refrigerate until serving time.
- Return to the soup: Remove the celery bouquet. With an immersion blender, lightly blend soup (you want it to still be a little chunky). Correct seasoning, to taste. Alternatively, transfer 2/3 of the soup to a blender*. Blend until smooth and return to the saucepan.
- Ladle soup into 8 or 10 soup bowls. Divide the meatballs evenly among the soup bowls and drizzle the yogurt mixture over. Serve immediately.
- *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
- Place the chicken bones in a 6-quart pot, pour water over to cover, and bring to a rolling boil. Skim off the scum that collects on the top. Add the remaining ingredients, lower the flame, and simmer about 2 hours, skimming as necessary. Strain into a clean bowl and cool. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days, discarding hardened layer of fat before using or freezing.
- Yield: about 2 quarts
IRAQI SHORBEH- EASY LENTIL SOUP
this food is a staple in my house. you cant go wrong. its fast, incredibly easy, and healthy too. serve with toasted pita.
Provided by chef2six
Categories Lentil
Time 25m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. wash lentils.
- 2. fill pot with lentils and water, pepper and salt, onion.
- 3. bring to a rapid boil.
- 4. cover, reduce heat to simmer.
- 5. cook 20-25 min until thick and yellow.
MEATBALL SOUP
A quick and hearty soup. I use frozen meatballs and cook 3-5 per person in the soup. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Provided by Lmdalby
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Noodle Soup Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 7
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add meatballs, tomato sauce, bouillon, oregano, basil, thyme, salt and pepper to taste, celery, carrots, and garlic, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add macaroni and cook until pasta is done. Top with parmesan cheese to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 255.5 calories, Carbohydrate 22.5 g, Cholesterol 66.5 mg, Fat 10.7 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 16.7 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 713.3 mg, Sugar 4.3 g
Tips:
- To make the most flavorful meatballs, use a combination of ground beef and lamb.
- Soak the lentils in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to reduce the cooking time.
- Use a variety of vegetables in the soup, such as carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes, to add flavor and texture.
- Season the soup with a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, to give it a rich and complex flavor.
- Serve the soup with a side of warm pita bread or rice for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This Iraqi lentil soup with meatballs is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-make soup, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The combination of lentils, meatballs, and vegetables makes this soup a nutritious and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
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