Albanian-style Bihun Sup

Ingredients

In the Albanian adaptation of Bihun Sup, lamb is used instead of chicken or beef to add a unique flavor. The addition of tomatoes and bell peppers gives the soup a tangy and slightly sweet taste. Albanian cuisine is known for its use of aromatic herbs, so this recipe incorporates herbs like thyme and oregano to enhance the flavors. The overall taste profile is influenced by Albanian cuisine, making it distinct from the original Indonesian version. We alse have the original recipe for Bihun sup, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) lamb, thinly sliced 250g (8.8 oz) lamb, thinly sliced
• 100g (3.5 oz) rice noodles (bihun) 100g (3.5 oz) rice noodles (bihun)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 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 parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced lamb to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. 4.
   Add the dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour in the lamb or vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. 7.
   Once the soup has simmered, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   To serve, divide the cooked rice noodles among serving bowls and ladle the hot soup over them.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb — For a leaner option, trim any excess fat from the lamb slices before cooking.
• Rice noodles — Be careful not to overcook the rice noodles as they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results.
• Dried thyme and oregano — If you prefer a stronger herbal flavor, you can increase the amount of dried thyme and oregano.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• For a heartier meal, serve the soup with crusty bread on the side.
• Feel free to add other vegetables of your choice, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Albanian-style Bihun Sup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Accompany the soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Albanian-style Bihun Sup, ensure that the soup is served piping hot. Use attractive bowls that showcase the vibrant colors of the soup and garnish with a generous amount of fresh parsley. Serve with a side of crusty bread on a wooden board for a rustic touch.