Saharan Spiced Tomato Soup

Ingredients

While the original Spanish Sopa al cuarto de hora is a simple and quick tomato soup, the Saharan adaptation adds a distinct flavor profile by incorporating traditional Saharan spices. These spices, such as cumin, coriander, and paprika, infuse the soup with a warm and aromatic essence, reminiscent of the Saharan desert. The use of these spices transforms the dish, giving it a unique and authentic Saharan touch. We alse have the original recipe for Sopa al cuarto de hora, so you can check it out.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 10g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
3. 3.
   Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4.
   Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Saharan Spiced Tomato Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor. Alternatively, you can use pre-ground cumin.
• Coriander — For a more intense flavor, use freshly ground coriander seeds instead of pre-ground coriander.
• Paprika — Choose a good quality paprika for a richer and smokier taste.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Serve the soup with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil for added creaminess.
• If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave some diced tomatoes in the soup instead of pureeing it completely.
• This soup pairs well with crusty bread or traditional Saharan flatbread.
• Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and delicious meal on busy days.

Serving advice

Serve the Saharan Spiced Tomato Soup as a comforting and nourishing main course. Accompany it with a side of warm bread or flatbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of paprika to add a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic bowl or a traditional Saharan clay pot to enhance the presentation and create an authentic Saharan dining experience.