Shurpa - an Eastern European Lamb Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs stewing lamb, cut into 1-1/2-inch chunks
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 9 cups beef broth
• 1 large purple turnip, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 large zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 2 large green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and cut into strips
• 1 1/2 lbs ripe plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 small dried hot peppers or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon coriander seed, crushed

• 1 (16 ounce) can chickpeas, well drained
• salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (to garnish)

Directions

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a heavy soup pot over high heat. Add the lamb and brown lightly, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the onions and continue to cook until the lamb is thoroughly browned and the onions are softened and colored, about 7 minutes more.

2. 2

   Spoon off all the fat from the pot, then add the stock, and bring to a boll. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lamb is tender, about 1-1/4 hours.

3. 3

   Refrigerate the soup, uncovered, until the fat rises to the surface, about 40 minutes. Skim the fat away.

4. 4

   Bring the soup to a boil over medium heat and add the turnip, zucchini, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, cumin seeds, chilis, and coriander. Cook, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the chick-peas and cook for 10 minutes more.

5. 5

   Remove the chili peppers from the soup and add salt and 2 tablespoons vinegar. Taste and add more salt and vinegar, if desired. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Serve the soup garnished with plenty of cilantro.