Mauritanian Spiced Lamb Soup

Ingredients

In this Mauritanian adaptation, the traditional German Biersuppe is transformed into a Mauritanian Spiced Lamb Soup. The original dish, which typically includes beer as a key ingredient, is modified to incorporate Mauritanian flavors and ingredients. The lamb takes center stage in this version, replacing the original meat used in the German dish. Additionally, the spices used in the Mauritanian cuisine, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, are introduced to enhance the flavors and create a unique taste experience. We alse have the original recipe for Biersuppe, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) lamb, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cinnamon stick 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 liter (4 cups) lamb or vegetable broth 1 liter (4 cups) lamb or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika, ground ginger, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
4. 4.
   Return the lamb to the pot and add the diced carrots, potatoes, and tomato. Pour in the lamb or vegetable broth.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot. Serve the Mauritanian Spiced Lamb Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For a more tender and flavorful result, marinate the lamb cubes in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their aroma and flavor.
• Coriander — Use freshly ground coriander seeds for the best flavor.
• Turmeric — Be cautious when handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing easily.
• Cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the soup.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or couscous for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup before serving.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more spices or salt as needed.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the Mauritanian Spiced Lamb Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma. Accompany the soup with warm bread or couscous on the side for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Mauritanian Spiced Lamb Soup in a rustic-style bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and spices to shine through. Place a cinnamon stick on top of each bowl as a decorative element. Serve the soup with a side of warm bread or couscous on a wooden platter for an authentic touch.