Egyptian Spinach Soup

Chef Kate's Note:

This recipe is from chef Nora Pouillon, owner of Nora's in Washington, DC, a "certified" organic restaurant and a quite wonderful place to dine. Vegetable stock may be substituted for the chicken broth.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade and salt-free
• 3 -4 scallions, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup basmati rice
• salt and pepper
• 1 lb spinach (well washed, large stems removed)
• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and saute the onion until soft.
2. Add the turmeric and cook a further minute to let the spice warm through.
3. Add the stock, scallions, rice, salt and pepper.
4. Simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes until the rice is cooked.
5. Do not overcook.
6. Cut the spinach into chiffonade, add to pan and cook for another five minutes.
7. To serve hot: Beat yogurt and garlic into the soup, and reheat gently so the yogurt does not curdle.
8. To serve cold: Allow soup to cool, add yogurt and garlic and puree.
9. NOTE: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Madras curry powder can be substituted for the turmeric, depending on how fragrant you want your soup to be.

Reviews

[luvcook'n]

Absolutely awesome! The flavours are so warm and comforting. I made as directed except I left the baby spinach whole. This will be enjoyed many more times. Thank you Chef Kate for sharing this really yummy recipe!

[Moor Driver]

Superb! What a fabulous flavour from simple ingredients. Loved by all and will be making regularly. Thank you!

[Catte Nappe]

Glad I found this recipe. I needed something to round out a selection of nibbles (pita, hummus, babaganouj) into a meal. This did the job nicely. Will definitely make again, but will try curry powder instead of the turmeric to give it a bit more zip. Oh, my!! Made it a second time using curry powder. Also used greek style yogurt, which made it creamier (and probably less susceptible to separating). It was soooo good. Got DH's coveted "you need to make this again sometime" review. We had samosas with it this time. Took the soup'n'sammich dinner to a whole new level.