Libyan Soup
The national soup of Libya. Tastes so good and heartwarming with the tender beef, orzo, dried mint and a kick of spice!
Ingredients
- 200 g stewing beef very thinly sliced
- 150 g tomato paste
- ¼ cup orzo
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup cilantro finely chopped
- 1 cup parsley finely chopped
- 1 bouillon cube
- 1 tsp salt divided
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salma’s spice see page under Arabic pantry for the recipe
- 1 tbsp Libyan spice mix or see note
- Pinch of Aleppo pepper
- 2 tsp dried mint
- 5 cups of water
Instructions
- Add oil to a large pot and sauté onions on medium heat until translucent.
- Add the meat, spices, bouillon cube and ½ tsp salt and cook for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add the chopped cilantro and parsley and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add water and remaining ½ tsp salt and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Add the orzo and continue simmering for 20 – 25 minutes, or until meat is very tender.
- Add dried mint and serve immediately.
Notes
If you can’t find the Libyan spice mix, Hrarat, replace with ¼ tsp each of cinnamon, black pepper, ground ginger and cardamom.