| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 5g | 1g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 5g | 6g | 0.5g |
One of my absolute favorite dishes to prepare, especially when the weather starts to cool down, is this heavenly vegetable-based delicacy: the Egyptian Onion Soup. It is a heart-warming bowl of aromatic herbs, onions, and a medley of spices. This traditional soup is a beautiful fusion of Mediterranean flavors, reminiscent of some Spanish classics I’ve grown to love.
An exotic dance of flavors
Just as a sizzling salsa combines different intricate moves to create a beautiful dance, this soup incorporates a myriad of ingredients that mingle together to create a flavorful masterpiece. The onions, garlic, and ground spices in the recipe add a deep, rich flavor, while the fresh lemon juice, parsley, and mint bring a spark of freshness to each spoonful.
What also makes this variation of onion soup particularly special is the addition of chickpeas and ripe tomatoes. It’s a nod to the vibrant, tropical influences of my Cuban roots, adding a special touch to this Egyptian classic. Plus, the extra vegetables add a powerful nutritional punch.
Health benefits of the Egyptian Onion Soup
This soup isn’t just delicious, it’s also full of nutrients. Onions, for instance, are a fantastic source of Vitamin C – an immune-boosting antioxidant. Meanwhile, garlic is known for its antibacterial properties, making this soup a great choice especially during the cold and flu season.
Furthermore, the spices used, like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, offer an array of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving digestion. And let’s not forget chickpeas, a brilliant plant-based source of protein that can help keep you satiated.
Pairings? Delicioso!
Egyptian Onion Soup pairs remarkably well with various dishes. One such tandem would be the beloved Spanish tapa, Tortilla Española. The soup would add a beautifully spiced and robust edge to the mild flavors of the potato and egg tapa. If you’re looking for a more tropical partner, a classic Cuban sandwich, with its savory ham and tangy mustard, would beautifully complement the soup’s spices.
Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with friends, Egyptian Onion Soup adds a dash of warmth and exotic flavor to your dining table. With its dance of Mediterranean and tropical flavors, it is undoubtedly a culinary experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
What You’ll Need
- 3 medium-size yellow onions
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
Method
Step One
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the 3 medium-sized yellow onions and peeling the 6 cloves of garlic.
Step Two
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large pot, heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and crushed garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and begin to caramelise, approximately 10-15 minutes.
Step Three
Once the onions and garlic are properly caramelized, you can add 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot. Stir the mixture well to ensure the flavours are well combined.
Step Four
Next, pour the 6 cups of vegetable broth into the pot, then add a quarter cup of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Let the soup come to a slow simmer and continue to cook for about 20 minutes.
Step Five
While the soup simmers, start chopping the fresh parsley and mint, and dice the two ripe tomatoes.
Step Six
After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes, add the diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons each of the chopped parsley and mint, and a cup of cooked chickpeas. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
Step Seven
Finally, adjust the seasoning if needed and your Egyptian Onion Soup is ready to be served!
